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Trump Proposes $400M Ballroom Expansion at White House

12/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to build a ballroom on the east side of the White House to expand entertaining space.
Gary Walters, the longest-serving chief usher, says all presidents he worked with sought more space.
The project would demolish the East Wing, with initial estimates at $200 million, later raised to $400 million.
Walters recalled his wife working in the East Wing.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to build a ballroom on the east side of the White House to expand entertaining space.
Gary Walters, the longest-serving chief usher, says all presidents he worked with sought more space.
The project would demolish the East Wing, with initial estimates at $200 million, later raised to $400 million.
Walters recalled his wife working in the East Wing.