FILE PHOTO: U..S. President Donald Trump speaks at the site of ongoing construction of the planned White House ballroom in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 19, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
Internal contractor estimates reveal President Donald Trump's East Wing replacement ballroom project costs $600 million — $200 million more than what Trump has publicly stated.
According to Clark Construction documents obtained by the Washington Post, approximately $307 million comes from federal agencies, including the Secret Service and White House Military Office. But only $293 million derives from private sources.
On March 31, Trump claimed the project was taxpayer-free, emphasizing, "We have no taxpayer putting up 10 cents."
Despite his claims, federal agencies had already approved dozens of payments to contractors totaling tens of millions in public funds. Procurement experts questioned the use of taxpayer money for the entertainment structure itself, arguing funds should not flow into the ballroom.
The project has faced legal challenges from historic-preservation lawsuits and bipartisan congressional opposition, with seven Republican senators joining Democrats blocking a $400 million legislative authorization for the President's project.
The White House declined to answer questions about cost discrepancies.
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