Donald Trump has criticized previous presidents for neglecting the White House, asserting that his renovations have brought it back to a condition better than when it was first built in 1792.
Speaking out on Sunday, Trump shared images of an improved column, claiming that “the White House was in very bad condition, both inside and out.”
He bluntly referred to it as a “dump,” expressing his enjoyment for renovating the historic residence, despite his limited free time.
Trump praised the Department of the Interior, led by Doug Burgum, and the contractors involved, stating they are doing a “fantastic job.”
He added, “The exterior ‘skin’ of the Building was practically falling off!” and insisted it’s in better shape now than during its original construction. “Such an honor to have the privilege of saving this great structure!” he remarked.
He cautioned that delaying renovations would have led to further deterioration of the White House.
As part of his renovation efforts, the East Wing has been demolished to create a grand ballroom, a project that began in September 2025 and is slated for completion before the end of his second term.
The new ballroom is designed to accommodate between 900 and 999 guests, marking a significant increase from the earlier announced capacity of 650 at 90,000 square feet.
Although the initial cost estimate for the ballroom was around $200 million, it has since ballooned to roughly $600 million, according to various planning documents.
Trump has recently unveiled interior renderings of this opulent project, which he describes as his “gift to the United States.” He emphasized that it would be “massively expensive” yet funded entirely by himself and donors, with no taxpayer money involved.
However, a Republican initiative seeking $1 billion for Secret Service security enhancements created political controversy before being removed from a broader funding bill.
Trump mentioned that the ballroom would feature walls supported by “impenetrable steel” and high-quality bulletproof glass, which is about 4 inches thick while allowing clear visibility. He explained that the roof will be flat, and there will be no air conditioning to avoid any issues related to air quality.
He characterized the ballroom’s roof as both a “barrier” and a “shield,” noting it would include a drone port designed for unlimited use. Additionally, a six-story military complex is being constructed beneath the ballroom, set to replace the Presidential Emergency Operations Center from 1942.
This demolition of the East Wing is only one part of Trump’s extensive renovation plans. The West Wing will also undergo changes, including replacing old pavers with black granite. Improvements to the North Portico entrance began in June and are expected to be finished before an upcoming visit from China’s President Xi later this month.
