White House to Add 90,000-Square-Foot Ballroom Backed by Trump Donors
Introduction
The proposed White House ballroom, set to begin construction in September 2025, is attracting significant attention due to its substantial size. This 90,000-square-foot addition will be nearly as large as the rest of the White House complex, highlighting the ambitious scale of the project.
Key Details
The ballroom, designed to accommodate 650 people, will be built where the current East Wing stands. Led by Clark Construction and AECOM, the project aims to preserve the architectural heritage of the White House while providing a modern space for future events. The significant investment of approximately $200 million is being covered by President Trump and other donors.
Impact
This addition will not only enhance the White House's event hosting capabilities but also become a notable part of its architectural landscape. The project's completion is expected well before the end of President Trump's term, ensuring a lasting legacy for future generations of Americans.
About the People Mentioned
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Clark Construction
Clark Construction Group, Inc. is a leading American construction and civil engineering company, founded in 1906 as the George Hyman Construction Company. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, it has evolved into one of the largest and most respected general contractors in the United States, with annual sales of approximately $1.3 billion and a workforce of around 5,000 employees[1][3]. The company provides comprehensive construction services including construction management, design-build, and general contracting, serving commercial, infrastructure, institutional, residential, and other sectors. It operates in major U.S. cities such as Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Clark Construction has been responsible for landmark projects like the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., the Chase Center in San Francisco, and the largest wastewater recycling facility in Los Angeles County[1][3]. Clark Construction’s history is closely tied to A. James Clark, who joined the George Hyman Construction Company in 1950 and later founded Clark Construction Group in 1982 after merging George Hyman with Omni Construction. Under his leadership, the firm expanded significantly, completing over 2,000 projects nationwide and earning more than 350 major awards for building excellence. The company is known for its commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation, reflecting Clark’s philosophy of building structures that endure for future generations[1][5][9]. Today, Clark Construction remains a privately owned enterprise renowned for its technical expertise, sustainable practices, and strong industry reputation. It is recognized as the largest construction firm in Maryland and a major player nationally, continually advancing urban development and infrastructure with a focus on complex, high-value projects[1][3][6][7].
AECOM
AECOM is a leading American multinational infrastructure consulting firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with about 51,000 employees as of 2023. It operates globally, providing a comprehensive range of services including architecture, engineering, urban planning, environmental consulting, construction management, and technical services. The company serves both public and private sectors, tackling complex infrastructure challenges across transportation, water, energy, buildings, and environmental projects[1][2][5]. Founded officially in 1990 through the merger of five entities, AECOM’s roots trace back over 120 years through its predecessor firms. It became publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange in 2007 under the ticker symbol ACM. Since then, it has grown significantly through acquisitions, now ranking #291 on the 2023 *Fortune* 500 list and recognized repeatedly as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies[1][3]. AECOM’s core business segments include Design and Consulting Services, Construction Services, and Program and Construction Management. The firm is known for pioneering innovative solutions and managing the full project lifecycle, from planning and design through construction and maintenance. It holds a strong market presence in environmental consulting, industrial building construction, and heavy engineering construction, with nearly 20% market share in environmental consulting alone in the U.S.[2][5]. Notable achievements include being ranked #1 in Transportation and General Building by Engineering-News Record and serving as the Official Venue Infrastructure Partner for the upcoming LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, demonstrating its leadership in delivering large-scale, complex infrastructure projects[2][4]. AECOM is committed to sustainability, social value, and workplace inclusivity, scoring highly on corporate equality indices and recognized as a Military Friendly® employer. The company emphasizes innovation, global expertise, and collaborative problem-solving to create sustainable legacies and improve communities worldwide[3][2].
