Plans for a major extension to the White House, commissioned by former President Donald Trump, have sparked significant controversy after it was revealed the new structure will match the height of the historic building itself.
Architect Reveals Scale of Proposed Addition
According to architect Shalom Baranes, the proposed $400 million ballroom addition is designed to be as tall as the original White House. The expansive new facility is intended to accommodate up to 1,000 people within a 22,000-square-foot space. This ballroom forms a central part of a larger planned complex for the East Wing, which would also include offices for the First Lady and a new movie theatre.
Preservation Concerns and Legal Challenges
The project's scale has raised immediate alarms among preservationists. Members of the overseeing commission have voiced concerns that the addition's sheer size could overwhelm the historic White House. These concerns are compounded by an ongoing lawsuit from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which alleges that construction work began without securing the necessary approvals.
Further controversy surrounds the funding of the project, with accusations of potential influence-peddling linked to corporate donors. Architect Baranes has indicated that design changes are still "possible," suggesting some flexibility in the planning stages.
Fast-Track Approval Sought for Spring Start
The fate of the contentious project now rests with the National Capital Planning Commission, which is scheduled to hold a crucial vote on 5 March 2026. Officials are reportedly seeking a fast-track approval process with the aim of breaking ground on construction as soon as April 2026. This timeline adds urgency to the debates over the building's historic integrity and the legality of the planning process.
The coming weeks will determine whether one of America's most iconic landmarks will undergo its most dramatic physical transformation in modern history.
