Sen. Gallego proposes changing the name of the Trump White House ballroom to honor Obama ‘to truly challenge’ the president.

Gallego Jests About Naming Trump’s Ballroom After Obama

WASHINGTON – Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat, made headlines on Sunday by poking fun at President Trump regarding the newly revamped White House ballroom, suggesting it should be named after former President Barack Obama if Democrats regain control.

During his appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” when asked whether the space should be demolished if Democrats had the chance, Gallego simply replied, “No, it shouldn’t be demolished.” He added, somewhat dramatically, “I’m really going to mess it up. Call it Barack Obama’s Ballroom.”

On Friday, President Trump dismissed rumors that he planned to have the ballroom named after himself. “I’m not going to put my name on it. That was fake news,” he stated before departing for a trip to Asia. He mentioned that he hadn’t finalized a name but suggested something like the “Presidential Banquet Hall.”

Interestingly, Trump had previously expressed ambitions during Obama’s presidency to help fund a new banquet hall, although he faced skepticism at the time. After securing a second term, he reiterated his desire to create a space like this.

Last week, crews brought down the east wing of the White House, a structure that dates back to the early 1900s and had served as the first lady’s property before its expansion under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration.

Trump claimed the new ballroom would be strategically placed without interfering with the existing structure, insisting, “It’ll be close, but it won’t touch you.”

The demolition of the East Wing stirred anger among Democrats, who were upset that Trump proceeded without Congressional consultation. Gallego expressed his discontent, stating, “First of all, he shouldn’t have done that. This is the people’s house. Second, where is the president? He’s focused on the social scene but not on what’s happening.”

Gallego has been active in early voting states recently, gearing up for discussions about the 2028 presidential election. He mentioned, “First, I have to deal with taking care of my three children, getting through 2026, reversing inflation, and making sure that insurance premiums for 24 million Americans don’t double starting November 1. And maybe, probably long after that, I’ll start thinking about things like that.”

The ballroom project is projected to cost around $300 million, aiming to host up to 900 guests. Trump is reportedly contributing personally, alongside a diverse group of donors, arguing that a new banquet hall is essential for hosting world leaders without resorting to outdoor tents.

Despite the criticisms from Democrats, many individuals who served in the Obama and Biden administrations recognize the utility of having a ballroom, as noted in a recent Washington Post editorial.