Trump Claims 'Great Ballroom' Will Host Future Presidential Inaugurations

The former president says the $300 million project will feature 'unprecedented structural, safety, and security features'.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump posted new renderings of a massive ballroom currently under construction on the former site of the White House's East Wing. Trump claims the 'Great Ballroom' will be used for future presidential inaugurations due to its expected advanced features, though the Constitution does not dictate a specific location for the ceremony.

Why it matters

The plan to build a new ballroom on White House grounds has faced legal challenges from preservationists, raising questions about the president's authority to undertake such a significant renovation project. The potential use of the ballroom for inaugurations would also mark a departure from the traditional Capitol setting.

The details

Trump said the $300 million, 90,000 square foot ballroom project is 'on budget, and ahead of schedule.' He claims the ballroom will have 'unprecedented structural, safety, and security features' that will make it suitable for hosting future presidential inaugurations, though the Constitution does not specify a required location. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to stop the project, and a federal judge has expressed doubts about the administration's legal justification for the renovations.

  • Trump initially announced the ballroom project in July 2025.
  • Crews began demolishing the East Wing in late 2025 to make way for the new ballroom.
  • A federal judge is expected to rule on whether to block the project this month (February 2026).

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who initiated the construction of the 'Great Ballroom' on White House grounds.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

A nonprofit organization that has sued to stop the ballroom construction project, arguing it will damage the historic character of the White House.

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What’s next

The federal judge is expected to rule on whether to block the ballroom construction project this month (February 2026).

The takeaway

The plan to build a new ballroom on White House grounds has sparked legal challenges and raised questions about a president's authority to undertake such a significant renovation. The potential use of the ballroom for future inaugurations would also mark a departure from the traditional Capitol setting, underscoring the ongoing debate over the appropriate location for this historic ceremony.