White House Ballroom Redesign Faces Backlash Over Flaws

Architects criticize Trump's $400 million vanity project, but press secretary defends it as a needed addition to the 'People's House'.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Trump administration's $400 million plan to build a massive new ballroom at the White House is facing intense scrutiny after architects exposed glaring design flaws in the project. The 90,000-square-foot ballroom has been criticized for features like 'fake windows,' 'columns that block interior views,' and 'stairs that lead nowhere.' However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has lashed out at the New York Times report, defending the project as a long-needed addition to the 'People's House'.

Why it matters

The White House ballroom project has become a flashpoint, with critics arguing that the president is transforming the historic building into a 'palace' rather than respecting its status as a public institution. The rushed reviews and lack of independent oversight have also raised concerns about the integrity of the design process.

The details

Architects, a fine arts expert, and an urban planning writer criticized the ballroom's design in a New York Times report, warning that it will disrupt the symmetry of the historic White House property. The ballroom is set to be more than three times the size of the existing White House. Despite previous promises that construction would leave the existing building untouched, Trump tore down the historic East Wing last October to make way for the project.

  • The New York Times report was published on March 29, 2026.
  • The National Capital Planning Commission is expected to vote on the ballroom project on April 2, 2026.
  • Around 98% of 32,000 public comments received during the commission's public comment period have been against the ballroom construction.

The players

Karoline Leavitt

The 28-year-old White House press secretary who lashed out at the New York Times report, defending the ballroom project as a long-needed addition to the 'People's House'.

Donald Trump

The former president who pushed forward with the $400 million ballroom project without seeking Congressional approval or independent reviews, and who tore down the historic East Wing despite previous promises.

The New York Times

The newspaper that published the report criticizing the design flaws in Trump's ballroom project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The New York Times had three random people who have 'studied fine arts,' 'long written about urban planning,' and never built anything to write an article criticizing the new White House ballroom.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

“President Trump and his lead architect have built world-class buildings around the world, and they are ensuring the People's House finally has a beautiful ballroom that's been needed for decades — at no expense to the taxpayer.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

What’s next

The National Capital Planning Commission is expected to take a vote on the ballroom project on April 2, 2026.

The takeaway

The White House ballroom project has become a symbol of the ongoing tension between preserving the historic integrity of the 'People's House' and the current administration's desire to leave its own architectural mark. The rushed reviews and lack of independent oversight have raised concerns about the design process and the project's impact on the iconic building.