New White House ballroom may cost US$400 million, Trump says
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Work continues on the construction of the ballroom at the White House, Tuesday, Dec., 9, 2025, in Washington, where the East Wing once stood. Photo by AP Photo/Pablo Martinez MonsivaisArticle contentThe proposed White House ballroom will cost as much as US$400 million, with U.S.
President Donald Trump saying it will also be equipped to host inaugurations going forward.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentTrump gave the latest estimate Tuesday evening, while also predicting the project would come in under cost.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle content“For 150 years, they wanted a ballroom,” Trump said during a Hanukkah reception, lamenting that the event had limits on invitations. “It’ll be the most beautiful ballroom, and it’ll handle inaugurations.”Article contentArticle contentHe said that inaugurations — held customarily at the U.S. Capitol — often have safety and weather challenges. “From a safety standpoint, we can do better,” he added. The proposed ballroom has 5-inch-thick glass windows “impenetrable by anything but a howitzer,” he said.Article contentPosthasteBreaking business news, incisive views, must-reads and market signals. Weekdays by 9 a.m.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Posthaste will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentThe proposed cost of the ballroom has steadily risen, from US$200 million to Trump’s latest estimate. Its scale has also grown, with Trump at first saying it “won’t interfere with the current building” before instead bulldozing the entire East Wing. Trump has, according to reports, sparred with architects over the scale of the project, which is poised to dwarf the existing White House residence and West Wing, where the Oval Office sits.Article contentThe White House has said it’s being financed by private donations, but has not publicly specified them — raising questions about which people or companies might fund it to curry favor with Trump.Article contentEarlier Tuesday, a federal judge overseeing a lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation did not halt work on the project as the court proceedings continue, according to CNN.Article content“I thank the judge in the case for the courage in making the proper decision,” Trump said.Article contentBloomberg.comArticle contentTrending Is a $2.75 million portfolio enough for Halifax empty nesters to retire early?
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