President Donald Trump assured that the expansion of the ballroom in the East Wing of the White House justifies the increase in their budget, because the space will be twice large and with “much higher quality” than initially projected.

Expanded and high quality space

According to Trump, the ballroom will have 90,000 square feet to allow future administrations to hold state meetings indoors, avoiding the use of open-air tents. free. In his message in Truth Social, the president noted that recent studies showed that the original proposal would not be sufficient for the planned events and ceremonies.

“It will be magnificent, safe and reliable,” the American president stressed.

The cost of the project has doubled from the initial estimate of $200 million, now reaching $400 million. Trump highlighted that this review was conducted to ensure safety and functionality, and stated that the project remains“ahead and under budget.”

Financing for the ballroom

Although the construction was to be covered mainly with private donations, after an attempted attack during the Correspon Association dinner leave the White House, some Republican legislators requested that public funds cover part of the spending to reinforce the security of the complex.

The Senate Judiciary Committee incorporated $1,000 million dollars into a service budget reconciliation bill ecrete, intended to improve security in the White House and in the ballroom, both on surface and in underground facilities.

Underground infrastructure and additional protection

Military teams work on the reconstruction of the Presidential Center for Emergency Operations under expansion, a bunker that will have bulletproof glass and drone-proof roofs. Trump explained that the complex's details were made public due to a legal lawsuit over the construction of the ballroom.

Some lawmakers, such as Senator Eric Schmitt, have suggested that private donations should go toward decorative items, while public funds could cover security improvements.

Still, approval of the project among the American population remains low: a recent poll by Washington Post, ABC News, and Ipsos indicates that 56% of adults oppose the project, while only 30% support it.