President Donald Trump is facing a firestorm of criticism after his administration announced plans to construct a sprawling $200 million gold-plated ballroom on White House grounds just days after signing legislation that slashes health care access for 17 million Americans.
White House Confirms Lavish 90,000-Square-Foot Ballroom to Be Completed by 2029
The announcement, made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that the new 90,000-square-foot (8,360-square-meter) ballroom will be completed before the end of Trump’s current four-year term in January 2029. The opulent venue is expected to seat up to 650 people and host large-scale state dinners, galas, and diplomatic functions.
While Leavitt assured reporters that the cost would be covered by Trump himself and a group of private donors, the timing of the project ignited widespread outrage. Many see the move as wildly out of touch likening the president’s golden ballroom to the palace of Versailles, built in the shadow of widespread suffering and growing economic inequality.
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“The president is building himself a golden playground while millions of families lose their doctors,” said Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL), a vocal critic of the healthcare cuts. “This isn’t just bad optics it’s cruelty dressed in luxury.”
The administration has defended the planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom as a much-needed enhancement to the estate’s event-hosting capabilities. In a statement on WhiteHouse.gov, President Trump referred to the addition as a “legacy project”, emphasizing the impracticality of past outdoor events. “When it rains, it’s a disaster,” he said, referencing previous use of tents for formal gatherings. “We’re giving the White House the beautiful space it deserves.”
However, critics argue that the gesture is symbolic of a broader pattern in Trump’s leadership extravagant spending on projects tied to his image. At the same time, policies hurt the nation’s most vulnerable.
Historically, U.S. presidents have used the East Room and State Dining Room for official events. Occasionally, large dinners have been held in temporary tents on the South Lawn. While Trump insists the ballroom will follow historical White House design cues, many Americans view the timing as an insult added to injury.
“America doesn’t need another monument to Trump’s ego,” said historian and political analyst Dr. Rachel Owens. “What we need is functioning health care and support for working families—not a 90,000-square-foot gilded ballroom.”
The announcement came less than 48 hours after the president signed a controversial bill into law, which rolled back Medicaid expansion and repealed key protections under the Affordable Care Act. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that over 17 million Americans will lose some or all of their health insurance within the next three years as a result.
Online users voiced anger over the ballroom plan, calling it wasteful and poorly timed following healthcare cuts.
Online, the reaction was swift and scathing. A tweet from political account @NoLieWithBTC went viral with over 7 million views:
“The Trump administration just announced they will be building a massive $200 million gold-plated ballroom at the White House after signing a law cutting 17 million Americans’ health care.”
Thousands of commenters echoed the sentiment, some calling the project “tone-deaf,” “absurd,” or “a golden slap in the face.”
Let them eat cake and pay for insulin out of pocket,” wrote one user. Others joked that the White House was being turned into a “club for billionaires,” with one user writing, “Is it still called a state dinner if you need to crowdfund your hospital bills first?”
People are worried because they don’t know who is providing the funding to support this project.
While the White House insists the funding is entirely from private donors, watchdog groups are already demanding transparency.
“Who’s paying for this, and what do they expect in return?” asked Adam Gold, executive director of Civic Accountability Now. “We need to know who’s buying influence in exchange for chandeliers and gold trim.”
With past reports raising questions about foreign influence and donor access during Trump’s first term, many are uneasy about large-scale private funding for a luxury government building—especially one likely to host elite guests from around the world.
Construction Moves Ahead Despite Criticism, Sparking Public Concern Over Priorities
Despite the uproar, construction plans appear to be moving forward. According to officials, the First Lady’s East Wing offices and some White House staff spaces will be temporarily relocated during the build. The structure will be placed behind the primary residence, designed to be both lavish and architecturally cohesive with the original mansion.
Trump, unfazed by the criticism, doubled down in an afternoon statement. “It’s going to be the most beautiful ballroom in the world. World leaders will come, and they’ll be amazed. We’re putting America back on the map elegantly.”
But for millions of Americans worried about losing access to life-saving treatments and affordable medication, the glamour of gold ceilings offers little comfort.
