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By Marni Rose McFall
Reporter
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President Donald Trump has revealed further designs for his new White House ballroom.
"Will be the Greatest Ballroom ever built, now rising at the site of the White House — fully paid for by American Patriot Donors. ZERO cost to our United States Taxpayers," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday, alongside a digital rendering of the new neoclassical East Wing.
Why It Matters
The ballroom project has been the subject of controversy after the former East Wing was demolished in October prior to the construction plans being submitted to oversight bodies.
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The White House said at the time that the demolition did not require approval from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), but only for vertical construction. It added that they would present any plans for construction to the proper commissions.
Trump previously drew criticism during his second term for paving over the White House Rose Garden, replacing it with a white patio.
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What To Know
Plans for the ballroom construction have been submitted to the NCPC, and a hearing on the $250 million privately-funded project is set to take place next month.
A 28-page document - submitted to the NCPC and available to view online - shows the planned White House extension measuring 8,361 square meters. The main White House building measures 5,110 square meters.
The plans for the new ballroom were designed by the Washington D.C.-based studio Shalom Baranes Associates.
Commenting on the designs earlier this month, Trump write: "Two views of the Great Ballroom being built on the site of our wonderful White House – it is on budget, and ahead of schedule!"
Both the NCPC and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) are reviewing plans for the ballroom. They are also expected to review his other construction projects, including plans to build an arch near the Lincoln Memorial.
Trump has pushed to install allies on both commissions.
What People Are Saying
Trump wrote on Truth Social on February 10: "When completed, it will be the finest ballroom ever built anywhere in the world, one that has been sought by presidents for over 150 years – and now they are getting THE BEST! Because of its unprecedented structural, safety, and security features, it will also be used for future Presidential Inaugurations."
What Happens Next
The White House said it hopes to win approval from both the CFA and the NCPC by March and begin above-ground construction as soon as April.
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