Former President Donald Trump has revealed his intention to personally finance and construct an opulent ballroom at the White House, with the goal of enhancing its prestige to align with other prominent global power centers. Trump announced this initiative on Truth Social, indicating that prior presidents had envisioned such an enhancement but lacked the necessary experience to bring it to fruition. Drawing on his own proficiency in building lavish ballrooms, such as those at Mar-a-Lago, Trump assured that the project would be executed swiftly, incur no costs to taxpayers, and embody the grandeur of the White House. He initially proposed this concept during President Biden’s administration and earlier under President Obama, but reported receiving no feedback. Now, as he embarks on his second term, Trump plans to move forward with the construction personally, describing it as a “fun” endeavor amidst wider global issues.
The announcement coincided with one of the largest events ever hosted at the White House, where Trump greeted thousands of current and former officials, staff members, and their families to commemorate his return. The gathering on the South Lawn was characterized by enthusiastic chants of “USA!” and a vibrant atmosphere, as Trump expressed his appreciation for those who supported his administration. Officials praised the swift pace of political appointments, highlighting that over 3,200 positions have already been filled since Trump assumed office in January, with departments such as Veterans Affairs achieving full staffing. According to Sergio Gor, Director of Presidential Personnel, the administration is reaching unprecedented hiring milestones, and each appointee remains dedicated to Trump’s agenda to “make America great again.”