Donald Trump gave the press a tour of the construction site of the future ballroom at the White House on Tuesday, May 19. The cost is approaching nearly $400 million.
Donald Trump is always very enthusiastic when he talks about his projects. The future White House ballroom, which he wanted, makes him very happy. He sees it as “a gift to the United States of America.” He even claims that it will be “one of the most beautiful buildings ever constructed in the country.”
Against the background noise of construction machinery, the American president gave the press a tour of the site in Washington on Tuesday, May 19. He showed images of the future building, with a facade inspired by Greek and Roman architecture. The White House tenant was generous with details about the concrete used, the thickness of the glass, and the future anti-drone base planned for the roof.
Donald Trump did not escape questions from journalists about the high cost of the project. “This money comes from me and my donors. I financed its construction. With the support of many patriots. We are making a donation. It’s a donation. It will not be paid for by taxpayers,” said the former real estate developer, admitting that the security of the structure will be funded by public funds. The cost of the work is approaching $400 million.
$220 million in public funds for security
Republicans have submitted a bill that provides for a billion dollars for the Secret Service, the agency that protects political figures in the United States. Of this amount, $220 million would be allocated to the ballroom.
Bad news for Donald Trump: this week, the Senate’s parliamentary counsel estimated that public funds allocated as part of a budget reconciliation plan could not be used to finance the security of the ballroom. The American president sarcastically commented, “We have a judge who finds it unacceptable that we are making a donation.”
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Donald Trump unveils the sumptuous future ballroom of the White House at $250 million
Delivery “in six or seven months”
The future ballroom will host receptions. It will house meeting rooms and a military hospital. The keys will be handed over to tenant Donald Trump “in six or seven months,” he assured. A month ago, during a press briefing on Iran, he said, “I have always loved gold. This will be the most beautiful ballroom in the world.”
Donald Trump’s ballroom: a monumental project
The future ballroom will be three times larger than the White House. It will be slightly larger than a football field, as reported by France Info, which has modeled the plans. It will have an area of 8,360 m² and can accommodate between 650 and 1,000 guests. Some specialists believe that the large columns could block the view from the inside. The building will be 20 meters high.
