Trump to Build $200 Million Gold Ballroom at the White House — America’s Most Lavish Presidential Upgrade Yet

In a sweeping move to redefine the heart of American statecraft, President Donald Trump has announced plans for a lavish $200 million expansion of the White House — a new, gold-accented ballroom that promises to modernize the East Wing and transform the landscape of official Washington gatherings.

A New Centerpiece for the White House

According to a press release issued Thursday, July 31, the East Wing will soon give way to a sprawling 90,000-square-foot ballroom capable of accommodating up to 650 guests.

This marks a significant upgrade from the historic East Room, which hosts a maximum of 200 people and has often required the use of "large and unsightly tents" outside the main building for overflow events.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored the project’s dual purpose: “The new structure will not entirely replace the East Wing, but rather modernize it,” she explained during Thursday’s press conference. The current office space for the First Lady and her staff, historically located in the East Wing, will be temporarily relocated during construction.

Design Blends Heritage with Opulence

Renderings of the planned ballroom reveal a dazzling interior: gold chandeliers, an elaborate coffered ceiling, towering Greek Corinthian columns, and tall arched windows surrounding the hall.

The grand space will be outfitted with gold chairs and round tables, mirroring the White House’s classical architectural style while amplifying its grandeur.

"The White House Ballroom will be substantially separated from the main building of the White House, but at the same time, its theme and architectural heritage will be almost identical," the official statement emphasized.

The new addition is designed by McCrery Architects, whose CEO, Jim McCrery, called the project a "beautiful and necessary renovation to The People's House."

Privately Funded, Rapid Timeline

The $200 million cost will be covered by President Trump himself along with private donors. Construction is slated to begin in September, with the White House assuring that the ballroom will open "long before the end of President Trump's term."

While no specific completion date has been given, updates on progress will be posted regularly on the White House’s official "visit" page.

Context of Broader Renovations

This ambitious expansion is being announced amid a series of other significant changes on the White House grounds. The Trumps have also overseen the controversial removal of the iconic Rose Garden lawn, originally installed under President John F. Kennedy.

The area is now partially paved with concrete, reportedly in response to concerns about the practicality of hosting high-profile events on grass.

White House officials insist that these renovations balance modernization with respect for tradition. “This restoration to the Rose Garden preserves the beauty of the space and builds on the work done in 2020, with a focus on enhancing practical use and guest experience for those attending special events,” a White House official told PEOPLE.