(Washington, D.C.) -- U.S. President Donald Trump is spending $250 million (S$320 million) to build a grand White House ballroom. Construction crews began demolishing parts of the East Wing on Monday.
Trump announced on social media on Monday (October 20): "Construction has begun on the White House grounds for a brand new, grand, and beautiful White House Ballroom... As part of this project, the East Wing is undergoing a complete modernization and will be more beautiful than ever when completed!"
The East Wing has traditionally housed the First Lady's office. This renovation marks the largest expansion of the White House in over a century.
Trump explained that the new ballroom, covering approximately 8,360 square meters and accommodating nearly 1,000 people, is designed to accommodate large state dinners and other events, which currently have to be held in temporary tents. He envisions future banquets beginning with a cocktail reception in the East Room, after which guests will be ushered into the new ballroom, which Trump touted as "the finest" in the country.
Trump has said the cost of the new ballroom will be covered by himself and donors. Last week, he also hosted a lavish dinner for donors in the White House ballroom, with guests including representatives from tech companies like Amazon, Apple, and Google.
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