'Fun projects': Trump announces he's bringing massive addition to White House
President Donald Trump bragged that he was funding a "beautiful Ballroom" attached to the White House in a Truth Social post.
"For 150 years, Presidents, and many others, have wanted a beautiful Ballroom, but it never got built because nobody previously had any knowledge or experience in doing such things — But I do, like maybe nobody else, and it will go up quickly, and be a wonderful addition, very much in keeping with the magnificent White House itself," claimed Trump.
"These are the 'fun' projects I do while thinking about the World Economy, the United States, China, Russia, and lots of other Countries, places, and events. It will all be good, maybe even GREAT, depending on who is the President of the U.S.A.!" he added.
Caring for the White House is generally part of the East Wing duties for first ladies, the George W. Bush Library describes.
Trump proposed the idea in March, claiming he wanted to build a $100 million ballroom. It's something he's been focused on since former President Barack Obama's administration. He claimed that he offered to foot the bill for the project, but it was denied.
"I see you have these state dinners on the lawn there in these s--t little tents," Trump said, David Axelrod wrote in his book "Believer."
A 2016 ABC News report said that the White House at the time didn't take the offer seriously.
“I'm not sure that it would be appropriate to have a shiny gold Trump sign…on any part of the White House,” press secretary Josh Earnest joked.
Significant state events are usually held using luxury tents on the White House lawn, while smaller events take place in the East Room of the White House.
When Trump entered office, he aimed to make drastic cuts to government spending and tasked tech billionaire Elon Musk with the job.
The White House underwent a massive reconstruction during President Harry Truman's presidency. George W. Bush did a number of renovations, including the press room and modernizing the Situation Room after the 9/11 attacks. President Joe Biden's administration oversaw a $50 million renovation of the Situation Room as well.