Trump Plans Massive White House Ballroom

Former president's latest construction project faces questions about approval process

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump is moving forward with plans to build a massive 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the White House grounds, replacing the historic East Wing. The project has faced scrutiny over the approval process, with Trump appointing new members to key oversight committees that have since voted to greenlight the construction.

Why it matters

The ballroom project is the latest in a series of Trump's efforts to leave a lasting physical legacy, including plans for a 250-foot arch across the Potomac River and potential renovations to the Kennedy Center and a nearby golf course. Critics argue these projects bypass normal approval channels and could damage historic landmarks and public spaces.

The details

In October 2025, Trump suddenly demolished the East Wing of the White House to make way for the new ballroom. Construction has been ongoing, but above-ground work has not yet begun. The Commission of Fine Arts, one of two committees overseeing the project, voted unanimously to approve the ballroom after Trump appointed a new member, Chamberlain Harris, who has no relevant architectural experience but is a current White House aide. The National Capital Planning Commission, headed by Trump's White House staff secretary Will Scharf, is expected to vote on the project in the coming weeks.

  • In October 2025, Trump demolished the historic East Wing of the White House.
  • On January 21, 2025, cranes and a temporary visitor entrance were seen on the north side of the White House as construction continued.
  • On February 19, 2026, the Commission of Fine Arts voted unanimously to approve Trump's planned ballroom.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who is pushing forward with the ballroom construction project.

Chamberlain Harris

A new member appointed by Trump to the Commission of Fine Arts, who has no relevant architectural experience but is a current White House aide.

Will Scharf

Trump's current White House staff secretary, who heads the National Capital Planning Commission that is expected to vote on the ballroom project.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The National Capital Planning Commission, headed by Trump's White House staff secretary Will Scharf, is expected to vote on the ballroom project in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Trump's ballroom project is the latest example of his efforts to leave a lasting physical legacy, but the approval process has faced scrutiny over allegations of political influence and potential damage to historic landmarks and public spaces.