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President Trump has revealed that the projected expense for his new White House ballroom might soar to $400 million, a significant increase from the initial estimate of $200 million.
During a Hanukkah celebration at the White House, Trump elaborated on the project, expressing frustration that the existing facilities often require the administration to limit the number of guests they can accommodate.
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(The Hill) – President Trump on Tuesday indicated the cost of his planned ballroom project at the White House could reach $400 million, double the originally announced cost of $200 million.
Trump spoke at length about the project during a Hanukkah reception at the White House, where he bemoaned that the current space in the building forces the administration to turn away some guests.
“For 150 years they wanted a ballroom, and we’re giving them — myself and donors are giving them, free of charge for nothing — we’re donating a building that’s approximately $400 million,” the president said during the event. “I think I’ll do it for less. But it’s [$400 million]. I should do it for less. I will do it for less.
“It will be the most beautiful ballroom, and it will handle inaugurations,” he continued. “It’s got 5-inch-thick glass windows. Impenetrable by anything but a howitzer… Who else but in our country would sue to stop $400 million beautiful ballroom?”
Trump also noted that a federal judge on Tuesday had ruled construction on the ballroom could proceed, rejecting a request from a preservation group to temporarily halt the project because Congress had not approved the plans for the space.
The White House initially announced in July that the ballroom would cost $200 million. But as construction began, Trump said the cost would total $300 million. While the cost continues to rise, the president and his aides have downplayed the amount by saying private donors will fund the project. Critics have argued wealthy donors and companies can buy access to the White House by donating to the renovations.
The project has also caused controversy after Trump initially said the existing White House building would not be impacted by the ballroom project. But construction crews in October began abruptly bulldozing the East Wing.
