A Historic Step Forward: New Ballroom to Accommodate 650 Guests
The White House has officially announced the construction of a new, large-scale banquet hall called the “White House State Ballroom.” This facility will serve as a replacement for the East Room, which has traditionally hosted official events and state ceremonies. With this announcement, a long-standing challenge―the need for a large indoor event space―finally finds a solution.
Currently, the largest room in the White House is the East Room, which accommodates about 200 people. In contrast, the new ballroom will hold up to 650 guests, making it suitable for presidential banquets, award ceremonies, and large press conferences with ease.
The construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025. Once completed, this venue could transform the way official White House events are held. Interestingly, the $200 million cost of the project (approximately ¥30 billion JPY) will not come from government funds, but will instead be covered privately by former President Donald Trump and a group of “Patriot” donors.
Location: East Wing, Preserving the Historic Residence
The new structure will be built on the grounds of the East Wing of the White House. This area has traditionally housed the First Lady’s office and guest reception rooms. The design calls for independent construction next to existing structures, without altering the main historic residence. This cautious approach ensures that the integrity of the White House’s historic architecture is preserved.
This project has long been a personal wish of President Trump. During his presidency in 2020, speculation surrounded his intent to bring a grand space similar to the luxurious ballroom in his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, to the White House.
This will be the most significant structural addition to the White House since the Truman Balcony was added in 1948, marking the largest architectural change in over a century.
Design and Construction: A Fusion of Grandeur and Tradition
The design is being handled by McCrery Architects, a firm based in Washington, D.C., with construction managed by the major American company Clark Construction. Engineering, HVAC, and other infrastructure will be overseen by AECOM. These firms are known for their expertise in government and historic preservation projects, and expectations are high for their performance on this project.
The ballroom’s interior will reflect the elegance of traditional American architecture, while incorporating modern comfort and technology. Marble floors, golden moldings, crystal chandeliers, high ceilings, and enhanced acoustics will define the new space. Of particular note is the state-of-the-art lighting and sound system that can be tailored to suit the size and type of event held there.
Operational Adjustments During Construction
During the construction period, some East Wing offices―including the First Lady’s office and press spaces―will be temporarily relocated. Efforts will be made to minimize disruption and ensure the day-to-day operations of the White House continue smoothly.
This ballroom is also part of a broader plan to refresh the White House grounds. Other proposed updates include replacing the lawn of the Rose Garden with stone paving, and installing a large ceremonial flagpole. All renovations aim to enhance functionality while respecting the historical significance of the site.
Merging Tradition and Functionality in a New Space
The upcoming “White House State Ballroom” is more than just a new building. It will serve as a dignified venue for presidential events, offering both elegance and capacity. With its blend of historical reverence and modern capabilities, this ballroom could come to symbolize a new era for the White House.
Construction is scheduled to be completed by January 2029, within Trump’s potential presidential term. When finished, the White House―a symbol of American history―will reveal how it continues to evolve with the times.
