Sponsored by Carl’s Jr.? Trump’s White House Ballroom Draws Ethics Questions

In a move set to reshape the historic White House grounds, President Donald Trump is moving forward with a $200 million project to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the site of the current East Wing. Described as the largest physical transformation of the White House complex since the Truman era, the project is scheduled to begin in September and is being funded by Trump himself and private donors. 

The president said some of the “world’s finest architects” are involved in the redesign, with McCrery Architects tapped to lead the project. Renderings have already been reviewed by Trump, and construction is expected to be completed before the end of his term. While updates to the Oval Office décor, like Trump’s signature gold accents, and renovations to the Lincoln Bedroom’s bathroom can be reversed by future administrations, the ballroom is expected to be a more permanent feature, potentially joining the ranks of historical additions like the Truman Balcony.

However, the decision to use private donations and bypass congressional approval has drawn scrutiny. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), who sits on the House Appropriations panel, questioned whether the White House could become “sponsored by Carl’s Jr.” and called for congressional oversight. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed concerns about cost and necessity, remarking, “I don’t need a $200 million ballroom to eat my cheeseburger.”

Still, some former White House officials support the idea. Anita McBride, who served under First Lady Laura Bush, said a permanent space for large gatherings would prevent damage to the lawn and ease future event planning. But others argue the president is overstepping, with former U.S. Chief of Protocol Rufus Gifford likening Trump’s renovations to a tenant remodeling a rental.