Democrats erupted in what the Trump administration called “fake outrage” over President Donald Trump’s plan to build a privately funded ballroom at the White House, portraying it as extravagant and claiming he is “destroying” the historic residence.
Historians and supporters, however, counter that presidents have long updated and modernized the People’s House, placing Trump’s project within a century-long tradition of renovations.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shared images of the East Wing’s demolition, asserting that Trump was “destroying” the historic home.
Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) echoed her critique, portraying the construction as wasteful while Americans face rising costs.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom added that Trump was “ripping apart the White House just like he’s ripping apart the Constitution.”
The White House dismissed the criticism as politically motivated, emphasizing that the project is fully privately funded, including by Trump himself.
Spokesman Davis Ingle highlighted the project’s broader purpose.
“President Trump is working 24/7 to Make America Great Again, including his historic beautification of the White House, at no taxpayer expense,” he told Fox News Digital, adding that the upgrades “will benefit generations of future presidents and American visitors.”
Trump confirmed that construction had begun on the 90,000-square-foot addition, describing it as a “big, beautiful White House Ballroom.”
Designed to host up to 999 guests, the facility will feature bulletproof glass and upgraded offices for staff.
The $200 million to $250 million project is entirely funded by private donations, including Trump’s personal contribution.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the practical benefits. The ballroom will allow major events to move indoors without temporary tents.
“This ballroom is a much-needed and exquisite addition,” she said, noting that it preserves the building’s neoclassical style while modernizing the East Wing.
Critics have labeled the project self-indulgent, but history offers a broader perspective.
Since the White House’s reconstruction after the War of 1812, presidents have continually adapted the residence to meet evolving needs.
Additions and upgrades have included Roosevelt’s West Wing, Taft’s first Oval Office, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s second-floor expansion and swimming pool, Truman’s interior rebuild, Nixon’s conversion of the pool into the press briefing room and Obama’s basketball court—all reflecting a long-standing practice of modernization, as the White House highlighted on their official X account.
Supporters say Trump’s ballroom continues this pattern.
“A lot of FAKE OUTRAGE over construction of the big, beautiful (and privately funded) White House Ballroom. FACT: Presidents have been renovating and expanding the White House for more than 100 years,” the post read.
Unlike previous presidents, Trump brings professional construction and real estate experience to the project, Just the News notes.
Historians emphasize that while Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy had political or legal backgrounds, Trump’s career uniquely qualifies him to oversee a large-scale modernization.
Trump said the new ballroom “will be happily used for generations to come.”
Supporters argue the privately funded expansion reflects his goal of enhancing the People’s House, providing practical space for state functions and continuing a century-long tradition—all without burdening taxpayers.
