Trump Claims 'Great Ballroom' Will Host Future Presidential Inaugurations

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Former President Donald Trump has posted new renderings of a massive 90,000 square foot ballroom currently under construction on the grounds of the White House. Trump claims the 'Great Ballroom' will be used for future presidential inaugurations, citing its 'unprecedented structural, safety, and security features.' However, the Constitution does not dictate where inaugurations must take place, and in recent history they have typically occurred on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to stop the project, and a federal judge has expressed doubts about the Trump administration's legal authority to undertake the renovations.

Why it matters

The construction of a new ballroom on White House grounds represents a significant and controversial change to the historic presidential residence. While the president has broad authority over the White House, the plan has faced legal challenges and raises questions about the appropriate location for future inaugurations.

The details

According to the report, Trump posted renderings of the 'Great Ballroom' being built on the site of the former East Wing of the White House. The $300 million project is described as a 90,000 square foot ballroom with 'unprecedented structural, safety, and security features.' Trump claims the ballroom 'will also be used for future Presidential Inaugurations.' However, the Constitution does not dictate the location of the inaugural ceremony, and in recent history it has typically taken place on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to stop the project, and a federal judge has expressed doubts about the Trump administration's legal authority to undertake the renovations.

• In July, Trump initially said the ballroom project would not interfere with the existing White House structure.
• Later, when crews began tearing down the East Wing, an official said the 'entirety of the East Wing will be modernized' as the ballroom is built.
• In January, a federal judge presiding over the challenge signaled doubts about the Trump administration's argument that the president has the legal authority to undertake the renovations and to fund them with private donations.
• The judge said the decision on whether to block Trump's renovation plans will 'hopefully' come this month.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The federal judge presiding over the legal challenge to the ballroom project is expected to issue a decision this month on whether to block Trump's renovation plans.