Trump administration pursues White House ballroom expansion amid rising costs and public opposition

President Trump is advancing a plan to demolish the East Wing of the White House and construct a 90,000-square-foot ballroom, a project that began in October 2025. The ballroom's estimated cost has risen to approximately $400 million, with Republicans in Congress now seeking an additional $1 billion for security-related expenses. Public polling shows 56% of Americans oppose the project, a margin that has remained stable even after an April 25 assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.