President Donald Trump hosted a gala dinner on Wednesday at the White House, bringing together nearly 130 wealthy donors and corporate representatives. This gathering celebrated the financial backing for a new ballroom, which is estimated to cost $250 million.
New White House Ballroom Unveiling
The ballroom, touted as one of Trump’s most substantial renovations during his second term, is designed to accommodate significant political events. Trump emphasized its grandeur by noting that it could potentially host a presidential inauguration. The construction will feature bulletproof glass and design elements that maintain the historic integrity of the White House.
Event Highlights
Attendees enjoyed an exquisite dining experience. The tables were elegantly adorned with tall candles and white floral arrangements. Guests sat around round tables, sipping wine and water before their meals, which included:
- Heirloom tomato panzanella salad
- Beef Wellington
- Roasted Anjou pears with cinnamon crumble and butterscotch ice cream
Among the notable companies represented were:
- Amazon
- Apple
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Coinbase
- Comcast
- Lockheed Martin
- Meta Platforms
- T-Mobile
The Adelson Family Foundation also attended, along with influential figures such as oil billionaire Harold Hamm and Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman.
Ballroom Specifications and Future Plans
The new ballroom is planned for the location of the East Wing and will cover an impressive 90,000 square feet. While the White House previously claimed a capacity of 650, Trump asserted it could accommodate up to 999 guests.
While the ballroom project awaits approval from several commissions, Trump stated that, as president, he has flexibility regarding constructions and renovations. He expressed frustration over the need for tents during large events due to space limitations in the current East Room.
Additionally, Trump unveiled plans for a new arch at one end of the Arlington Memorial Bridge, which links Virginia to the District of Columbia. He highlighted that the arch will feature Lady Liberty at the top and unveiled miniature models of the proposed designs.
In his remarks, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the White House’s prestige and functionality. “To me, there’s nothing like the White House,” he stated passionately, reiterating the importance of maintaining this iconic structure.
