President Donald Trump surveyed the White House rooftop Tuesday as he prepares to break ground on a new $200 million state ballroom intended to transform how official events are hosted at the executive residence.
Speaking to reporters from the rooftop location, Trump joked about the effort. "More ways to spend my money. We'll show you. It's just another way to spend my money for the country," he quipped while discussing the upcoming project.
Throughout his first term, Trump notably donated his presidential salary to various government departments. According to the White House, he will continue that tradition in his second term by donating his earnings as Commander-in-Chief.
The new ballroom project is designed to meet a long-standing need. “For 150 years, Presidents, Administrations, and White House Staff have longed for a large event space on the White House complex that can hold substantially more guests,” the White House said in a statement.
Currently, the White House’s largest indoor event space — the East Room — can only accommodate 200 seated guests. For larger functions, officials must erect a temporary tent on the South Lawn, 100 yards from the main building, which many have called unsightly.
The new “White House State Ballroom” will change that. Plans call for a 90,000-square-foot, ornately designed addition with a seated capacity of 650 people, significantly expanding the hosting capabilities for state dinners and international events.
“The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world,” the administration said. “This ballroom will ensure that future presidents can host major functions with the dignity and elegance the White House deserves.”
The administration has not yet disclosed a construction timeline, but Trump’s presence on the rooftop suggests preparations are well underway for what he has described as a gift not just for his presidency, but for future leaders and the American people.