Trump Reveals More Ballroom Plans
White House officials on Thursday detailed plans for a new presidential ballroom, defending the controversial demolition of the East Wing by citing serious structural failures, outdated systems, and security concerns that made renovation impossible.
The proposal was presented to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), where administration officials said the aging structure could no longer meet modern safety, accessibility, or national security requirements.
New Ballroom Designed to Host Major State Events
Architect Shalom Baranes told commissioners the new ballroom would measure approximately 89,000 square feet and be capable of hosting up to 1,000 guests. Conceptual renderings show a two-level design, with a formal ballroom above and a colonnade below.
Baranes said earlier, oversized design concepts were discarded after he joined the project last fall in favor of a more refined and functional approach.
“Our work has focused on improving exterior proportions, enhancing masonry details, revisiting terrace designs, and carefully developing interior spaces that align with the White House’s architectural character,” Baranes explained.
Officials Cite Serious Safety and Structural Failures
White House Director of Administration and Management Josh Fisher told the commission that the East Wing suffered from long-standing structural deficiencies that made preservation unworkable.
According to Fisher, the building faced chronic water intrusion, mold contamination, failing roof systems, and unstable structural supports. He also noted that electrical systems were outdated, undersized, and no longer compliant with modern building codes.
In addition, officials said the structure failed to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards and Secret Service security requirements.
First Lady’s Offices and Movie Theater to Be Restored
Under the updated plans, the new ballroom complex will include a dedicated office suite for the first lady on the lower level. The historic White House movie theater, which had been housed in the East Wing prior to its demolition in October, is also being rebuilt.
Local Officials Question Scale and Timing
During the meeting, Phil Mendelson, chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia, questioned whether the size of the new structure could be reduced, suggesting the design appears visually dominant next to the White House.
Baranes acknowledged that adjustments could be considered but emphasized that any changes would depend on available funding and construction timelines.
Mendelson also asked why the project had not been presented to the NCPC prior to demolition.
Fisher responded that certain aspects of the project involve sensitive national security considerations that limited earlier disclosures.
White House Pushes Back on Criticism
NCPC Chairman and senior White House adviser William Scharf defended the administration’s actions, stating that federal law does not require commission approval for demolition or site preparation work.
Scharf argued that the new ballroom will significantly improve how the United States hosts foreign leaders and major state events.
Without it, Scharf warned, future high-profile visits — including a potential visit by King Charles III — would be forced into temporary outdoor tents on the South Lawn with portable facilities.
“That is not an appropriate image for the United States of America,” Scharf said.
Historians Voice Concerns as Review Continues
The demolition has drawn criticism from some historians and former White House staff, who point to the East Wing’s historical roots dating back to Thomas Jefferson. Officials acknowledged strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
The NCPC is expected to conduct a formal review of the ballroom proposal in the spring, at which point public testimony and written comments will be accepted.
