The White House has announced plans to construct a new State Ballroom, a grand event space designed to accommodate up to 650 seated guests—more than triple the current capacity of the East Room. The project, estimated at approximately USD 200 million, aims to address long-standing limitations in hosting large official functions on the White House grounds.
In an official statement, the White House described the 90,000-square-foot facility as a “much-needed and exquisite addition” to the historic complex. The ballroom will replace the existing East Wing site, which has undergone several changes since its original construction in 1902.
“For 150 years, Presidents, Administrations, and White House Staff have longed for a large event space on the White House complex that can hold substantially more guests than currently allowed,” the statement read. President Donald J. Trump has taken the lead on this initiative, positioning it as a legacy project for future administrations.
The ballroom will maintain a classical architectural style, with McCrery Architects—renowned for their work on federal buildings—serving as the lead designers. “Presidents in the modern era have faced challenges hosting major events at the White House because it has been untouched since President Harry Truman,” said CEO Jim McCrery, who pledged to honor the building’s historic aesthetic.
Clark Construction will head the construction effort, and AECOM will manage engineering. Work is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and is expected to be completed before the end of President Trump’s term.
Funding for the project will come from President Trump and other private donors, according to the White House. The United States Secret Service will implement security modifications in line with the new structure.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles praised the project as a reflection of Trump’s vision and attention to detail, calling him “a builder at heart.” She emphasized the administration’s commitment to preserving the heritage of the White House while enhancing its functionality for generations to come.
Further updates will be made available to the public on the White House’s official website.
