White House to begin ballroom construction

The Trump administration on Thursday announced that the White House would soon begin construction on a 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 stated in a press release.

"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.

The ballroom will replace the East Wing of the White House property, which was originally built in 1902. The project will mark the most substantial overhaul of the presidential estate in recent years.