White House Communications Director Steven Cheung shared a split-screen image showing both the ballroom’s construction progress and a rendering of what the completed space will look like.
Big Picture View:
The plan is for the new ballroom to be completed before the end of President Trump’s term in January 2029.
White House East Wing
Big Picture View:
The East Wing contains several administrative offices, including those of the First Lady. Originally built in 1902, it has undergone multiple renovations over the years — most notably the addition of a second story in 1942, according to official White House records.
Other White House Renovations
The Backstory:
The new ballroom represents the most significant structural change to the Executive Mansion since the addition of the Truman Balcony in 1948, which overlooks the South Lawn. In fact, the new project will even surpass the size of the main residence itself.
Timeline of Major White House Construction and Renovations
- 1792: Cornerstone laid; construction of the White House begins
- 1817: Rebuilt after the British burned it in 1814
- 1902: Theodore Roosevelt renovates and modernizes the structure, creating the West Wing for executive offices
- 1952: Harry S. Truman completes a massive renovation, completely gutting and rebuilding the White House interior
Big Picture View:
Since Truman’s sweeping renovation, each president and first lady has made their own mark on the White House — not through major construction, but through personal design choices and subtle interior updates, according to the White House Historical Association.
