Trump’s 2029 East Ballroom Renovation Plan.
On Thursday, July 31st, 2025, President Donald J. Trump disclosed his plans to renovate the East Wing Ballroom of the White House. An article from the New York Times states that the reason for this is a continuation of “flexing presidential power.”
Many professionals have expressed their worries and distress about this plan due to historical properties, visual aesthetics, and structure. Many historical landmarks and monuments were once under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, but the White House, Supreme Court Building and Capitol have all been recently pardoned from this act. While this is the case, experts such as Richard Longstreth, a professor at George Washington University, have commented in protest stating that this 200-million dollar renovation could “do some harm to the property overall.” Former director of the National Park Service, Jonathan Jarvis, explains how making modifications to the White House could possibly be detrimental. Jarvis states how this project is, “not just normal construction, it’s the White House- it has to survive a terrorist attack.”
While ensuring that the architectural aspect of the renovation doesn’t cause a disturbance, there is a certain Neoclassical appearance to the landmark that must stay intact. Jonathan Jarvis explains, “You couldn’t just put something on the side of a building that doesn’t match it historically in terms of its architecture, coloration, and style.” Although there are some who are up for such a change, individuals have spoken out about their own thoughts. Kathleen Clark, a law professor from Washington University, St. Louis, expressed how she feels this is “completely outrageous” and feels as though “he feels emboldened” and, “he feels like he can do anything,” speaking about Donald J. Trump.
Finally, many citizens are expressing fear due to the financial funding. Although Trump has committed to donating the 200 million dollars for the renovation, many still feel as though this money could have been put to better use. While incredibly generous, the donation started to speculate questions about where the money would come from.
The ballroom renovation will be made before the end of Trump’s presidency in 2029.
