President Donald Trump is turning the White House into a palace of grandeur with a jaw-dropping $250 million ballroom project, as Foxs News reports.
This ambitious venture, alongside other flashy renovations, is reshaping the historic residence into a venue fit for world leaders, though it’s already stirring up a political firestorm with critics like Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., vowing to tear it all down.
Let’s start at the beginning: the White House, for the first time in its storied history, is getting a formal ballroom, replacing a chunk of the East Wing.
The project was unveiled on July 31 by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who touted it as a long-overdue upgrade.
“The White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders in other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building's entrance,” Leavitt explained. Well, that’s a fair point—those tents aren’t exactly screaming “global superpower.”
Spanning a massive 90,000 square feet, this ballroom will seat around 650 guests and adhere to the classical aesthetic of the White House, ensuring it blends with the iconic structure.
Funding for this quarter-billion-dollar endeavor comes straight from Trump himself and a cadre of private donors, bypassing taxpayer dollars—a move that’s sure to resonate with fiscal conservatives.
Construction kicked off earlier this month on the White House grounds, transforming the space into what Leavitt called “a much-needed and exquisite addition.” Critics might scoff, but isn’t it refreshing to see a leader put his own money where his mouth is?
Beyond the ballroom, Trump’s renovations include gold accents adorning the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, a bold stylistic choice that’s either regal or over-the-top, depending on your taste.
Then there’s the “Arc de Trump,” a new monument that’s raised eyebrows, alongside a “walk of fame” featuring portraits of past presidents—including a curious autopen photo representing former President Joe Biden’s tenure.
Stone pavers now grace the Rose Garden lawn, and two towering 88-foot flagpoles stand as proud new additions to the grounds, amplifying the patriotic flair.
These updates aim to elevate the White House’s ability to host grand events, addressing a longstanding logistical headache of staging major functions far from the main building.
Yet, not everyone’s waving the flag for these changes—enter Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., who’s made it his mission to rally Democrats against this project with a fiery social media post on a recent Saturday.
“Don’t even think of seeking the Democratic nomination for president unless you pledge to take a wrecking ball to the Trump Ballroom on DAY ONE,” Swalwell declared. Talk about playing hardball—shouldn’t the focus be on policy rather than demolition derbies?
Swalwell’s office didn’t respond to requests for further comment, leaving us to wonder if this is a serious litmus test for 2028 Democratic hopefuls or just political theater meant to rile up the progressive base.
