New White House ballroom: Donald Trump personally selects construction materials
Photo: the planned design of the new ballroom at the White House (White House website)
US President Donald Trump personally reviewed stone samples on Friday, January 2, that are planned for use in the construction of a new ballroom at the White House, according to CNN.
According to the outlet, citing a White House official, Donald Trump visited a stone-importing company located near his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he selected marble and onyx for the future project.
The White House said Trump is covering the cost of materials and construction either from his own funds or with support from private donors. He previously stated he was prepared to spend around $400 million on the project, while expressing hope that the final cost would be lower.
The presidential administration is currently handling the necessary paperwork and permit approvals related to the reconstruction. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, with completion planned for mid-2028.
What is known about ballroom
Trump presented the latest cost estimate for the project, $400 million, on December 16. He has said the ballroom would be designed, among other things, to host future presidential inaugurations, noting that ceremonies traditionally held at the United States Capitol often face security and weather challenges.
Bloomberg has noted that both the cost and scale of the project have steadily increased, rising from an initial estimate of $200 million to the current figure. While Trump initially said the project would not interfere with the existing structure, the plan ultimately involved demolishing the East Wing.
Earlier in December, Bloomberg also reported that Trump had hired a new architect for the White House ballroom project.
