Construction of Trump’s $200 Million Ballroom Begins
Starting Monday, construction has commenced on President Trump’s $200 million ballroom in the East Wing. In light of this, the Treasury Department has advised its officials against sharing images of the ongoing demolition work at the White House.
With the Treasury Department’s headquarters situated nearby, employees have a clear view of the construction area. After images of the facade demolition circulated widely on social media, the department issued a warning, citing potential “security” concerns related to sharing such photos.
A spokesperson for the Treasury emphasized the risks, stating, “Inadvertent sharing of photos of the White House complex during this process could lead to the release of sensitive information, including security features and structural details.” They further added, “Out of an abundance of caution, we have encouraged our employees to avoid sharing these images.”
The Wall Street Journal first reported that an email was sent to staff on Monday night, urging them to exercise discretion regarding photos of the construction sites. The email instructed, “As construction progresses on the White House grounds, staff should refrain from taking or sharing photos of the grounds, including the East Wing, without prior approval from the Office of Public Affairs.”
This demolition marks the beginning of building a banquet hall, with crews removing part of the East Wing. President Trump expressed excitement about the project during an event in the East Room, where he hosted the LSU Shreveport national championship baseball team.
“We’re fortunate since it just started today,” he remarked. He also mentioned that a knockout panel will be placed behind him in the East Room, leading into the new ballroom. “I don’t think it will ever top this,” he said of the endeavor.
While the ballroom’s construction is expected to reach $200 million, Trump mentioned that some expenses might be covered by donations from what he referred to as “patriots.”
The White House has revealed plans for 90,000 square feet of event space to be constructed adjacent to the East Wing, which has typically served as an area for first ladies and their teams. They aim to complete the ballroom by the conclusion of President Trump’s second term in 2029.
