White House adds new section to website defending construction of new ballroom

The White House on Thursday added a new section to its website that appeared to defend its construction of a ballroom attached to the residence.

The website's “About the White House” page now features a timeline of major renovations throughout the history of the White House, which includes the 1824 addition of the White House's South Portico and the installation of the West Wing in 1902 and Oval Office in 1909. The White House briefing room was added as recently as 1970.

The new section also features swipes at former Democratic presidential administrations, including former President Bill Clinton for the Monica Lewinsky scandal in 1998, and the 2023 cocaine scandal under former President Joe Biden.

The update comes after the construction of the ballroom began this week with the demolition of the East Wing.  

Trump announced plans for a 90,000-square-foot State Ballroom in May, which will be funded solely by private donors, including by Trump himself, at an estimated cost of $300 million. 

The ballroom will be designed to complement the property's neoclassical style and will feature bulletproof glass walls and upgraded East Wing offices. The current largest space in the White House holds roughly 200 people in the East Room. The new ballroom will accommodate up to 999 guests, making it ideal for larger state visits and events.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.