(Adnkronos) – “I am pleased to announce that work has begun at the White House to build the new, grand and wonderful ‘White House Ballroom’. Completely separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is being completely modernized as part of this process and will be more beautiful than ever once completed!”. American President Donald Trump wrote this on Truth Social, announcing the start of the $250 million project to equip the presidential residence with a new hall for receptions and state visits. “For over 150 years, every president has dreamed of having a ballroom at the White House – he added – I am honored to be the first to finally kick off this much-needed project, at no cost to American taxpayers!”.
The announcement came as bulldozers had already begun demolishing part of the East Wing facade, despite Trump’s previous assurances that the construction “would not interfere with the existing building.” According to sources cited by the Washington Post, the work involves the demolition and reconstruction of the East Wing, traditionally home to the First Lady’s staff, with the aim of creating a new space of over 8,000 square meters capable of accommodating up to 650 people.
The White House confirmed that the intervention, financed entirely by private donations from “many generous patriots and great American companies,” will represent one of the most significant transformations of the building in over a century. Controversy was not lacking: several Democratic exponents criticized the project, calling it a symbol of “a new golden age for billionaires.” California Governor Gavin Newsom, now among the tycoon’s harshest critics, denounced on X: “Trump’s priorities? Tear down the White House yes, reopen the government no.” The president assured that the new hall will be joyfully used for generations to come.”
