President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed media reports suggesting he planned to name the new White House ballroom — which will replace the outdated East Wing — after himself.
The report, published by ABC News, claimed the 90,000-square-foot facility would be called “The President Donald J. Trump Ballroom.” But Trump quickly set the record straight.
“I don’t have any plan to call it after myself, that was fake news,” Trump told reporters. “We’re probably going to call it the presidential ballroom or something like that. We haven’t really thought about a name yet.”
Trump’s comments come as construction continues on what is expected to be a major modernization of the White House complex — a project the administration says will better serve official state events and visiting dignitaries.
A Vision for Renewal and National Pride
According to ABC News, roughly $350 million has been raised for the ballroom’s construction, exceeding the projected $300 million cost. President Trump suggested that surplus funds could support another ambitious initiative: an iconic arch to be built at the entrance of Washington, D.C., near the Lincoln Memorial.
“You know, we’re going to be building the arc,” Trump said. “And we’ve raised a lot of money for the ballroom, so maybe we’ll put — the arc is going to be incredible for Washington, D.C. So maybe we use it for the arc.”
The administration expects the ballroom to be completed before the end of Trump’s term in 2029. Supporters say the project symbolizes renewal and the continuation of America’s tradition of strength and elegance at its seat of power.
Demolition Meets Predictable Backlash
Earlier this week, crews finished demolishing the East Wing — a move that drew predictable criticism from establishment voices and Democratic allies. A YouGov poll found about half of Americans disapprove of the demolition, while many others see it as a step forward for modernization and security.
Among the most vocal critics was USA Today, which published an opinion piece by Chelsea Clinton condemning the construction. She claimed it represented “a reflection of how easily history can be erased when power forgets purpose.”
Former White House aide Michael LaRosa, who worked for Jill Biden, echoed the sentiment, calling the demolition “sad” and “heartbreaking.” Still, even he admitted, “I don’t think that there’s any question a ballroom is probably needed.”
The East Wing: History Meets Modern Necessity
While some opponents point to the East Wing’s historical roots, Trump’s supporters argue that progress and preservation are not mutually exclusive. The East Wing dates back to the early 1800s, when Thomas Jefferson added colonnades that were criticized even then as “aristocratic.”
Over the years, the space evolved — from Teddy Roosevelt’s renovations to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s additions, including a movie theater and a bunker used during national emergencies. That bunker, known as the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, was used by George W. Bush’s cabinet on 9/11 and by President Trump during the 2020 unrest.
