Donald Trump has given the public a sneak peek of his ambitious plan for a “Big, Beautiful Ballroom” in what he’s calling a brand-new East Wing at the White House.
The rendering, shared on his Truth Social page, shows the view from the Treasury Building across the street, with a massive two-story colonnade and a ballroom designed to host 1,000 seated guests.
Trump described the old East Wing as “very small” and “dilapidated,” emphasizing that the new addition would serve the country for centuries.
Design Details and Architectural Vision
The project is helmed by architect Shalom Baranes, who has revealed plans for a two-story East Colonnade replacing the original single-level structure.
Guests would enter the ballroom via the historic East Room of the Executive Mansion.
To balance the new height, the White House may also add a one-story extension to the West Wing, preserving the symmetry of the iconic building.
Baranes clarified that no two-story West Wing or Oval Office expansion is planned — the adjustment would be limited to the colonnade.
The East Wing demolition, which took place last October, included the removal of the historic East Colonnade.
Trump first hinted at the project in August, walking out on the West Colonnade and teasing “something beautiful” would rise in its place.
An outdoor section of the West Wing currently features Trump’s so-called “Presidential Walk of Fame,” displaying plaques that criticize past Democratic presidents.
Public and Political Reaction
The project has sparked criticism, partly because the White House did not initially provide details about the East Wing demolition.
Concerns have also been raised over the project being funded by private donors, some of whom have business interests before the federal government.
Ahead of a National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) meeting, a small group of protesters, including members of Common Cause, gathered to voice concerns about the project, holding signs reading “corruption never looked so tacky.”
Inside, NCPC Chairman Will Scharf — a Trump appointee and White House Staff Secretary — reminded attendees to maintain order, noting the ballroom agenda item has drawn “passionate comments on both sides.”
Size, Cost, and Controversy
Originally estimated at $300 million, the ballroom project’s cost has since ballooned to around $400 million.
The current plan, based on architect James McCrery’s earlier designs, calls for a 22,000-square-foot ballroom capable of seating 1,000 guests.
The East Wing offices for the First Lady’s staff would also be incorporated into the new 89,000-square-foot two-story structure.
NCPC members expressed concern about the scale of the project.
Phil Mendelson, chairman of the D.C. City Council, warned that the addition could overpower the historic White House, while Linda Argo, appointed by the D.C. mayor, raised issues about the size and scale in multiple ways.
Critics also questioned why the project is being reviewed in segments rather than as a complete plan, which includes changes to the visitors’ center, Lafayette Park, and the West Wing.
Legal and Historical Considerations
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued over the ballroom project.
A federal judge required the Department of Justice to submit plans to the NCPC and the Commission of Fine Arts by the end of 2025.
Scharf indicated that the current presentation would likely satisfy the judge, though formalized plans from the White House are still expected.
Fast-Track Goals and Practical Concerns
Trump’s team hopes to finish the East Wing by 2028, coinciding with his last full year in office.
Scharf argued that the new ballroom would help host important events, including a planned visit by King Charles, who might otherwise have to be received outdoors with temporary facilities.
In his blunt style, Scharf quipped, “More likely than not, he will be hosted in a tent on the South Lawn with port-a-potties,” noting that such a setup would be unseemly for the United States.
What Comes Next
The ballroom project continues to divide opinions, drawing scrutiny from historic preservationists, city officials, and activists, while Trump and his allies push forward with plans to create a “magnificent” new space in the White House.
The next steps include formal review by federal commissions and ongoing public discussion about the scale, cost, and historic impact of the East Wing overhaul.
