The White House unveiled plans for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom to be built on the East Wing, a project long desired by Donald Trump .

Trump and other donors will fund the $200 million structure, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She said construction will start in September and will be competed well before the end of Trump’s term.

The ballroom stands to be one of the most significant changes to the public rooms in the White House complex since the late 1940s, when the Executive Mansion was gutted as part of a renovation to reinforce the original structure.

Concerts, state dinners and other entertainment events have been held in the East Room or in an outdoor tent. The new ballroom will have a capacity of 650 people, compared to 200 in the East Room.

McC

See Full Page