Fine arts panel approves Trump's White House East Wing ballroom plans
ABC News6 hrs
Trump Ballroom Plan Approved by Fine Arts Commission
Is the White House ballroom a corrupt monument to excess or bold cultural expression at zero taxpayer cost?
Above: Cranes are seen on the grounds of the White House as construction work continues for U.S. President Donald Trump's new ballroom in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 13. Image credit: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump's ballroom scheme reeks of corruption and authoritarian overreach. Firing independent commissioners to install loyalists, demolishing historic structures without proper approval, and accepting millions from tech giants seeking influence expose an autocratic president prioritizing personal vanity over democratic norms. The $400 million monument to excess, funded by corporate donors with business before the administration, transforms the people's house into a gilded palace for Trump's cronies.
Pro-Trump narrative
The new White House ballroom represents progress, not excess. Privately funded at zero taxpayer cost, this classical addition finally provides secure indoor space for state dinners currently relegated to unsightly tents. Every president has updated the White House, and replacing the relatively more recent East Wing with a beautiful, functional space accessible to more Americans than ever before continues that tradition. The project restores architectural excellence after decades of Brutalist mediocrity.
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0