Public Overwhelmingly Opposes Trump's Planned White House Ballroom

Over 97% of 35,000 public comments filed with the National Capital Planning Commission slam the project as a 'disgrace'

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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President Donald Trump's plan to build a massive new ballroom at the White House is facing intense public backlash, with over 97% of more than 35,000 public comments filed with the National Capital Planning Commission opposing the project. Critics have slammed the plan as a wasteful vanity project that would destroy part of the historic President's Park.

Why it matters

The overwhelming public opposition highlights the growing concerns over Trump's tendency to use the presidency for personal gain and his disregard for proper procedures and public input on major changes to the White House grounds. The ballroom project also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest if it is funded by private donations.

The details

Trump announced plans last year for a huge, lavish ballroom more than twice the size of the central White House building. To make room, he summarily knocked down the East Wing without following regular approval processes. The project's price tag continues to balloon, with Trump vowing it will be built with private donations rather than taxpayer money.

  • Trump announced plans for the ballroom last year.
  • The National Capital Planning Commission is holding a hearing on the project on Thursday.

The players

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States who initiated the controversial ballroom project at the White House.

National Capital Planning Commission

The federal agency reviewing the ballroom project and receiving the overwhelming public opposition to it.

Jim Cunningham

A local Republican leader in Media, Pennsylvania who voted for Trump three times but opposes the ballroom plan, saying 'It's not his personal property.'

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What they’re saying

“Trump is only a temporary occupant of the White House. It belongs to the American people. It's not his personal property.”

— Jim Cunningham, Local GOP leader in Media, Pennsylvania (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The National Capital Planning Commission will hold a virtual hearing on Thursday to review the ballroom project, where over 100 people are slated to testify.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing public backlash against President Trump's tendency to use the presidency for personal gain and vanity projects, with the overwhelming opposition to the White House ballroom plan raising concerns about his disregard for proper procedures and public input on major changes to the historic presidential residence.