Democrats are fuming over privately funded White House ballroom

In July 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced plans to construct a new 90,000 square foot state ballroom on the White House grounds, which is the first major addition to the complex in decades. Since the project was announced, opinions on the project have been relatively quiet, however that changed quickly, once construction began this week.

Since then, Democrats have expressed outrage over Trump’s actions. Hillary Clinton posted on X, “It’s your house. And he’s destroying it.” Senator Elizabeth Warren posted on X, “Oh you’re trying to say the cost of living is skyrocketing? Donald Trump can’t hear you over the sound of bulldozers demolishing a wing of the White House to build a new grand ballroom.” Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made an appearance on “The View” and said, “There’s no greater metaphor right now for what’s happening right now in this country than watching Donald Trump take a wrecking ball to the White House.”

What’s most interesting about the new White House ballroom is that it’s not costing the taxpayers a single penny. It is being funded 100% by President Trump and other private donors. Yet, the Democrats still find something to bash Trump about.

What’s also not mentioned in any of the liberal media coverage about the new ballroom is that nearly every president since John Adams has made changes to the White House during their tenure. Theodore Roosevelt built the West Wing. Woodrow Wilson built a movie theatre. Franklin D. Roosevelt built a swimming pool. Richard Nixon built a bowling alley.

There are a long list of other improvements former Presidents have done to the White House, but for some strange reason, when President Trump decides to build a ballroom, it’s considered appalling by Democrats.

The ballroom is designed to give future administrations a large, permanent venue for official events, instead of the temporary tents that are used to accommodate large gatherings. According to the White House press release, the ballroom will seat up to 650 guests and more than triple the capacity of the White House’s East Room, which currently seats about 200. It’s a room that will be used for good purpose and there is certainly a need for it.

The ballroom will replace the current East Wing, which dates to 1902 and has been modified several times since. The ballroom’s design will mirror the classical architecture of the main White House. It’s also important to note that the section of the White House that was torn down to build the ballroom was not part of the original White House.

Can we please find other things to focus on? Is this really what people want to spend their time and energy complaining about? The White House is becoming more beautiful, functional and valuable. And most importantly, it’s costing taxpayers nothing. What could possibly be the problem with that?

Chris Thompson’s ([email protected]) column is published weekly on howiecarrshow.com and graniteeaglepress.com