Former President Donald Trump has revived his long-standing idea of adding a grand ballroom to the White House, proposing to fund the project himself at an estimated cost of $100 million. Trump announced on Truth Social that he had “inspected the site” for the ballroom and emphasized that such a project had been discussed for over 150 years but never realized—until now, under someone with his “knowledge and experience.” He stated the addition would be “a wonderful addition, very much in keeping with the magnificent White House.” Trump first mentioned the idea publicly in February during a signing event for the “No Men in Women’s Sports” executive order. He said he had made similar offers to both Presidents Obama and Biden but never received a response. Trump insisted the ballroom would come at no taxpayer cost, claiming he would “spend the whole thing myself.”

The proposal aligns with Trump’s preference for opulent spaces, similar to the grand ballrooms found in his Mar-a-Lago resort. While no formal approval has yet been granted by Congress or regulatory bodies like the National Park Service, Trump’s team appears confident. Meanwhile, Trump recently hosted one of the largest events ever held on the South Lawn of the White House, attended by thousands of staff and supporters. The event celebrated his return to office and highlighted rapid staffing efforts by his administration, which claims to have filled 91% of political appointments within 135 days of taking office.