NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that construction has begun on a new, privately funded White House Ballroom – a long-envisioned addition designed to host state visits and large gatherings – as part of a modernization of the East Wing.
“I am pleased to announce that ground has been broken on the White House grounds to build the new, big, beautiful White House Ballroom,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Completely separate from the White House itself, the East Wing is being fully modernized as part of this process, and will be more beautiful than ever when it is complete!
“For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc. I am honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway — with zero cost to the American Taxpayer!” he continued. “The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly. This Ballroom will be happily used for Generations to come!”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing in July that the construction of the estimated $200 million new ballroom would begin in September and be “completed long before the end of President Trump’s term.”
TRUMP GAVE THE OVAL OFFICE A GILDED MAKEOVER – AND COVERED THE COST HIMSELF
Her announcement came after a similar gesture earlier this year, when Trump personally financed the installation of two 88-foot American flags flanking the White House, each reportedly costing about $50,000.
“The White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders in other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building’s entrance,” Leavitt said at the time, adding the new ballroom will be “a much needed and exquisite addition.”
FETTERMAN DEFENDS TRUMP’S ‘TASTEFUL’ $200M WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM MAKEOVER AMID DEM CRITICISM
She also said the United States Secret Service will provide the necessary security enhancements and modifications during the construction.
The project is intended to provide a dedicated space for hosting official events, state dinners and large ceremonial gatherings.
TRUMP APPEARS ON WHITE HOUSE ROOF AMID TALKS OF HISTORIC RENOVATIONS
The new 90,000-square-foot addition will accommodate approximately 650 seated guests and will stay true to the classical design of the White House.
The White House does not have a formal ballroom, and the new ballroom will take the place of the current East Wing of the White House.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Trump chose McCrery Architects to design the project, with Clark Construction overseeing the build and AECOM providing engineering support.
Fox News Digital’s Amanda Macias contributed to this report.
Read the full article here
