You wouldn’t normally expect a presidential ballroom plan to spark political fireworks, but here we are.
California Governor Gavin Newsom found himself in the middle of a social media storm after taking a jab at White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt—and by extension, President Trump—over their newly announced $200 million ballroom project at the White House.
Newsom Goes Full Hunger Games
Newsom took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to mock the announcement, posting a photoshopped image of Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games, a character best known for her extravagant fashion and tone-deaf attitude.
The edited image showed Trinket presenting the ballroom plans from the White House press podium—mirroring what Leavitt had done earlier that day.
He captioned the post with sarcastic flair:
“While all the Districts pay extra for groceries and everyday goods, the White House is excited to announce that the Capitol is creating a grand ballroom for opulent parties! May the odds be ever in your favor!!!”
Trump Supporters Clap Back
But Newsom’s theatrics didn’t land quite the way he’d hoped.
Supporters of Trump were quick to correct the record and defend Leavitt.
“It’s not being paid for by taxpayers—but you knew that,” one user pointed out.
Another added, “Trump and donors are footing the bill, not taxpayers. You purposely left that part out.”
And someone else wasn’t shy about throwing Newsom’s own past back at him:
“Opulent parties? Like your dinner at the French Laundry during COVID?”
Newsom Doubles Down
Still, Newsom didn’t hold back.
He followed up with another tweet criticizing Trump’s priorities, saying, “They’re more interested in defending their ballroom than the 17 million they kicked off health care.”
Then from his personal account, he piled on the sarcasm:
“Oh thank god—this is what the American people were desperately pleading with you to do!”
Leavitt Sticks to the Facts
While the California governor leaned into theatrics, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stayed focused on the policy.
She revealed architectural renderings for the proposed 90,000-square-foot State Ballroom, calling it a necessary upgrade for hosting high-profile diplomatic events.
Currently, large events at the White House require erecting massive white tents on the South Lawn.
Leavitt explained that the new space would hold up to 650 guests—a big jump from the East Room’s 200-person capacity.
“This ballroom will change that,” she said.
Construction is slated to begin in September and finish before the end of President Trump’s current term.
Trump Embraces the Plan With Flair
Naturally, Trump leaned into his builder persona.
“We’re good at building,” he told reporters. “I’m good at building things, and we’ll get it built quickly and on time.
It’ll be beautiful—top of the line.”
He compared the ballroom’s planned aesthetic to Mar-a-Lago and Turnberry, two of his signature luxury properties.
Interestingly, the project will involve replacing the East Wing temporarily, where the First Lady’s office is located.
That space will be relocated and modernized in the meantime.
Privately Funded and Architecturally Grand
Despite the criticism, one thing is clear: taxpayers aren’t footing the bill.
Leavitt confirmed that the entire $200 million cost will be covered by Trump and a group of undisclosed private donors.
The structure will be built just south of the main White House mansion and designed to match the existing neoclassical style—complete with white columns and the traditional façade.
It’s set to be the first major structural addition to the White House in nearly 100 years.
And while the East Wing isn’t being torn down, it will be repurposed during the construction phase.
A Venue With Global Purpose
Leavitt emphasized that this isn’t just about glitz and glamour—it’s about diplomacy.
“This new facility will give the United States a world-class venue to host global leaders with the dignity and grandeur that such occasions deserve,” she said.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles echoed that sentiment, adding:
“President Trump is a builder at heart and has an extraordinary eye for detail.”