Trump to make upgrades to White House, the first of this century

During his first term in office and thus far in his second term, President Donald Trump, a builder-at-heart, has set forth in motion some of the most significant upgrades to the White House in decades.

"He’s more well-qualified than any other president, save for Thomas Jefferson, who built Monticello. He was a builder as well," presidential historian and author Craig Shirley told Just The News.

"The improvements to the White House over the last 250 years...the White House is a metaphor for America. The White House is changing and improving over these 250 years." 

Reflecting on the connection between the nation's transformations throughout history and the White House, Shirley said, "Whether it's Manifest destiny or the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, Civil Rights or the space race, breakthroughs in science and medicine....technology....all these improvements, the White House has kept pace with its own improvements." 

Last week, the Trump administration announced in a press release that the White House would soon begin construction on a large ballroom on the property to accommodate more guests at state functions. 

"The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world, yet the White House is currently unable to host major functions honoring world leaders and other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance," the administration said.

90,000 square feet, and room for 450 more guests

"The White House State Ballroom will be a much-needed and exquisite addition of approximately 90,000 total square feet of innately designed and carefully crafted space, with a seated capacity of 650 people — a significant increase from the 200-person seated capacity in the East Room of the White House," it went on.

When the White House hosts large events, the organizers are forced to choose between installing white tents on the South Lawn, or hosting the event off of the White House grounds. At the height of seasons when Washington, D.C. summer days approach 100° and winter nights hover around freezing, the South Lawn isn't a suitable option. "The Kremlin has big rooms for big receptions, Buckingham Palace has big rooms for big receptions, but the leader of the free world doesn’t have an adequate room for big events and state dinners," Shirley said.

Prior renovations and history

The ballroom will augment the East Wing of the White House property, which was rebuilt in 1902, a significant renovation led by President Theodore Roosevelt. In that transformation, the White House underwent alterations into a more modern and functional space. This project, carried out by the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, included the construction of a new West Wing to house the President's offices, relocating them from the second floor of the main residence. The renovation also modernized the interior and created more space for the President's family and staff.  

Roosevelt's renovation was not the first time that the White House had been reconstructed. On August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812 between the United States and England, British troops entered Washington, D.C. and burnt the White House in retaliation for the American attack on the city of York in Ontario, Canada. 

According to History.com, "When the British arrived at the White House, they found that President James Madison and his first lady Dolley had already fled to safety in Maryland. Soldiers reportedly sat down to eat a meal made of leftover food from the White House scullery using White House dishes and silver before ransacking the presidential mansion and setting it ablaze." 

It was not until 1817 that President James Monroe moved back into the reconstructed building.

Critics politicize the modernization of "The People's House"

The new White House projects have drawn a fair amount of criticism, with Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, R-N.Y., taking swipes about the expenditure, failing to note that Trump and private donors will be footing most of the renovation bill. 

Although ignored by Democrats eager to attack Trump on any matter, presidential historian Shirley noted the renovation's long-term usefulness, telling Just The News that "Future presidents who are Democrats are going to use the ballroom too."

Additionally, the iconic Rose Garden, which is just off the east side of the Oval Office, is currently under renovation. The most significant change will be that the grass is being replaced by concrete slabs, which are much more suitable than grass for supporting women in high heels.

The new additions and augmentations will not be solely on the taxpayers' dime. On Wednesday, Trump posted on his Truth Social account that his first paycheck would be going to the project: "My first “Paycheck” went to the White House Historical Association, as we make much-needed renovations to the beautiful “People’s House.” Great improvements and beautification are taking place at the White House, at levels not seen since its original creation. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Since its construction in the late 1700s, each president has left a small imprint on the White House, but none as drastic as Trump in recent years. Former President George W. Bush made some technological upgrades. During the Bush administration, the White House adopted sustainable technology by installing three solar energy systems on its grounds in 2002. His presidency also enhanced e-government efforts, leveraging information technology to streamline and improve access to government services.

During former President Barack Obama's eight years, some small changes were made. Shortly after taking office in 2009, President Barack Obama had the White House tennis court on the South Lawn transformed by adding basketball lines and removable baskets to allow for full-court basketball games. This modification enabled him to play pickup games with staff, friends, and NBA stars, including a notable game for his 50th birthday in 2011 featuring players like LeBron James and Magic Johnson.

During her tenure as First Lady, Michelle Obama promoted healthy lifestyles and nutrition for children. She launched the "Let's Move!" initiative to tackle childhood obesity and encourage physical activity. In 2009, she introduced an organic garden on the White House South Lawn, which later drew scrutiny over whether it was truly certified-organic. Obama aimed to utilize the space to supply fresh produce for the First Family while highlighting the importance of sustainable, nutritious food.

First Lady Melania Trump left her mark during the first Trump term. She spearheaded the creation of a new tennis pavilion on the White House South Lawn, which was completed in 2020, to provide a versatile recreational space for future first families. Privately funded, the elegant pavilion with an improved court for tennis and basketball complements the White House’s historic charm. 

Another one of Trump's first-term additions to the White House was small and humorously quirky. In 2021, Trump installed a "Diet Coke button," a red button on the Resolute Desk used to summon a Diet Coke. The infamous button has reportedly made its triumphant return for Trump's second term.