President Donald Trump revealed on Monday detailed plans for a new ballroom complex on the White House grounds, replacing the recently torn-down East Wing. Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump described the forthcoming venue as a highly secure and architecturally impressive facility, emphasizing its advanced security design.
The proposed ballroom spans approximately 90,000 square feet, making it notably larger than the current main White House residence. Trump stated that the facility will be used for future presidential inaugurations and other significant ceremonial events. He highlighted key security enhancements, mentioning that the structure would employ bulletproof glass throughout and feature what he referred to as a "drone-free roof," aiming to prevent unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles from accessing the premises.
Regarding the financial aspects, Trump explained that the project would not rely on government funds but rather on contributions from private donors. These benefactors include corporations and affluent individuals, with donor disclosures indicating involvement from prominent sectors such as technology, defense, and cryptocurrency. The overall cost of the endeavor is estimated at $400 million, reflecting a significant investment in the White House's infrastructure.
The initiative to demolish the 1902 East Wing to accommodate the ballroom has sparked legal and public controversies. Preservation groups have filed lawsuits opposing the teardown, citing concerns about adherence to heritage conservation practices and federal regulatory protocols. Additionally, accusations have surfaced, suggesting that the administration bypassed requisite approvals from federal planning and design commissions before proceeding with the demolition.
Although a federal judge recently declined a request to halt the ongoing construction, the court acknowledged that any above-ground building work remains contingent upon further authorization. The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to conduct an initial hearing in January to review the project.
The focus on a "drone-free roof" reflects broader security challenges facing Washington, D.C., in recent years. Government agencies have expressed worries over the use of low-cost drones near sensitive federal locations, referencing past incidents such as a 2015 drone crash on White House grounds. Subsequently, the Federal Aviation Administration has implemented tighter regulations, including mandatory remote identification for most drones, to enhance security and mitigate risks according to both the FAA and the Secret Service.
The lavish ballroom project has prompted political criticism, particularly from Democratic leaders. Figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California have condemned the expenditure as misaligned with public needs, arguing that allocating millions toward a luxury event space disregards the financial hardships impacting many American families.