U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that the proposed new ballroom at the White House will cost less than $400 million, attributing the higher figure to a significant expansion of the original design.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Wednesday, Trump explained that the project underwent extensive revisions following detailed assessments, resulting in a facility that is both larger and of higher quality than initially planned.
“The only reason the cost has changed is that, after deep-rooted studies, it is approximately twice the size, and a far higher quality, than the original proposal,” he said.
According to the president, the ballroom was originally projected to cost around $200 million. However, with the updated design now nearly double in size, the total expenditure is expected to remain below $400 million.
“The original price was 200 million dollars, the completed project will be something less than 400 million dollars,” Trump added.
He emphasised that the expansion was necessary to ensure the venue could adequately host large-scale national events, official meetings and future presidential inaugurations.
“It would not have been adequate to handle the necessary events, meetings, and even future inaugurations,” he noted.
Trump also described the planned facility as a high-quality and secure addition to the White House complex, stressing its long-term importance. “It will be magnificent, safe, and secure!” he said.
The president dismissed reports suggesting that the project had suffered from cost overruns, accusing sections of the media of misrepresenting the revised plans.
“This was a necessary change, but the fake news failed to report it, trying to make it look like there was a cost overrun,” he stated.
He further indicated that construction is progressing at a steady pace and remains ahead of schedule.
“Actually, it is coming in ahead of schedule, and under budget!” Trump said.
