Trump's Bizarre Defense of $500k WH Ballroom Bill: What He Said That Shocked Everyone!

WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump is vigorously defending the ambitious plans for a new White House ballroom, with the project's cost now estimated at an eye-popping $300 million. Notably, this major undertaking is fully funded by private donors, sparking discussions about the implications of such a financing model for public projects.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that the project has expanded both in size and quality since its initial proposal. "It is actually under budget and ahead of schedule, as my jobs always are," he stated. "It’s just much bigger and more beautiful than originally planned. Interestingly, and seldom reported, there are no taxpayer dollars involved. It is being fully paid for by private donations."

The ballroom is now projected to be "double the size" of its original design, with enhancements aimed at achieving the highest quality of finishes and interiors. Trump explained that the column span has been "substantially increased" to improve viewing for guests. However, he also took the opportunity to criticize CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, whom he labeled as "stupid and nasty," for questioning the ballooning costs of the project, calling out CNN's management for their low ratings as well.

The ballroom’s construction is underway, with crews recently seen removing parts of the East Wing of the White House. This marks a significant step in a project that aims to provide a much-needed large event space on the White House grounds, a facility that has been long desired by past administrations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previously highlighted that the new ballroom will address the issue of limited capacity, as the existing spaces can hold significantly fewer guests.

Initial estimates for the project pegged its cost at $200 million when construction was announced in July. At that time, Leavitt stated that President Trump had committed his own funds to the project, reinforcing the notion that it would not be a drain on taxpayer resources.

However, just a day before Trump’s social media post, a report from The Washington Post revealed that the lead architect, James McCrery, CEO of McCrery Architects, had stepped down from the project due to conflicts with Trump over its expanded scope. According to unnamed sources cited in the report, McCrery's firm struggled to meet the increased demands and various deadlines, prompting Trump's decision to bring in Shalom Baranes Associates, an architectural firm with extensive experience in government building projects, including the renovation of the Pentagon after the 9/11 attacks.

Despite the shakeup, it was reported that McCrery and Trump parted on amicable terms, with McCrery remaining as a consultant for the project. This transition underscores the complexities often involved in high-profile construction projects, where the interplay of vision, budget, and practical execution can lead to significant changes in leadership and direction.

As construction continues, the timeline for the ballroom's completion remains optimistic, with expectations that it will be finished "long before the end of President Trump’s term." The broader implications of this project extend beyond mere aesthetics; it reflects the ongoing debate around private funding for public works and the balance between public interest and individual vision in the American political arena.

With the White House ballroom serving as a focal point for future presidential events, its successful completion may symbolize not just a physical expansion of the historic residence, but also a potential precedent for how large-scale projects can be funded and executed in the future.