9 things to know about the $250 million ballroom Trump is adding to the White House

9 things to know about the $250 million ballroom Trump is adding to the White House Politics Oct 21, 2025 7:34 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Construction started this week on the $250 million ballroom that President Donald Trump is adding to the White House as construction crews began tearing down the facade of the East Wing, where the new space is being built.

The Republican president and top White House officials had initially said nothing would be demolished during construction.

PHOTOS: White House starts East Wing demolition to build Trump’s ballroom

The 90,000-square-foot ballroom will dwarf the main White House itself, at nearly double the size, and Trump says it will accommodate 999 people.

Trump said on social media that the ballroom won’t cost taxpayers a dime because it is bei