President Donald Trump has reportedly instructed construction teams working on his new White House ballroom to bypass standard permitting, zoning, and building code requirements, according to a New York Times investigation.
Ballroom Project Swells in Size and Cost
The privately funded project, announced in July 2025, has expanded dramatically from its original conception. The estimated cost has nearly doubled from $200 million to $350 million, while the planned capacity has been increased from 650 to 900 guests.
Contrary to initial assurances that the build would not compromise the historic White House, the project has already led to the destruction of the East Wing, which was torn down in October. The architectural vision, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass and gold accents, has grown to a sprawling 90,000 square feet.
"Zero Zoning Conditions": Trump's Reported Directives
At a fundraising event for the ballroom in October, President Trump recounted to potential donors how he was informed that traditional rules did not apply to him. "I said, 'How long will it take?' They said, 'Sir, you can start tonight… You have zero zoning conditions, you’re the president,'" Trump told the room, eliciting laughter.
He added, "You mean I can actually do something I really want? Because I’m used to sitting with heads of community boards and politicians." The White House directed enquiries about the report to these public comments from the President.
Installing Loyalists and Firing Oversight
To expedite approval for the controversial design, the report states Trump has placed loyalists in key oversight positions. In a significant move, he fired all six members of the Commission of Fine Arts in October, an independent body that advises on design matters in the capital.
A White House official confirmed the dismissals, stating the President would appoint new members "that are more aligned" with his agenda. Similarly, Biden appointees on the National Capital Planning Commission were removed, with the commission now reportedly filled with Trump allies.
While the architectural firms involved assert they are following industry standards, the project has faced internal dissent. McCrery Architects, working on the project, urged a reduction in the ballroom's scale, warning it could overshadow the original White House and break with tradition. The White House characterised these talks as "constructive dialogue."
The ballroom, funded by Trump's own millions and donations from corporations like Amazon and Lockheed Martin, is anticipated for completion before 2029.
