When President Donald Trump announced plans for a new White House ballroom in July, the reaction was mixed. Months later, the project has become a breeding ground for conspiracy theories on social media.
Renderings and cost estimates have changed several times. The New York Times reported that the project’s price tag has ballooned from $100 million to $300 million while the design itself remains in flux. Unlike previous White House renovations, Trump said the ballroom construction is privately funded.
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The New York Times points to inconsistencies
The Times noted clear differences between July and October drawings. The number of arched windows changed, a new entrance replaced the longtime East Wing portico, and even the staircase layout was inconsistent.
While design adjustments are a typical part of any project, the lack of transparency and the scale of demolition to a historic landmark make this project unusual for some.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has repeatedly defended Trump’s decision, saying other presidents have left their mark on the White House grounds.
Experts question the math
Architect Andrew Kerr, who has worked on federal projects, raised concerns in a Facebook post. He said the ballroom’s scale and cost “don’t add up.”
Kerr calculated that at 90,000 square feet and $300 million, the ballroom would cost about $3,333 per square foot — far above high-end construction rates. He also said a 1,000-person ballroom would typically require no more than 40,000 square feet, even with generous spacing.
Jacob Ward, a journalist who has covered architecture and infrastructure budgets, echoed that concern.
“To blow $3,000 a square foot — that’s like a hospital building with specialized equipment,” he said in a TikTok video.
Online theories and official explanations
The shifting plans have fueled conspiracy theories. One deleted video claimed the construction could be a cover for building an underground data center beneath the White House.
The East Wing sits atop the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, a bunker built during World War II and used by President George W. Bush and his staff after the 9/11 attacks.
However, technology experts say the data center theory doesn’t hold up. Bentley Hensel, a senior DevOps engineer, explained on TikTok that data centers require massive cooling systems and cannot operate underground. The Environmental and Energy Study Institute reports that large data centers can use up to five million gallons of water daily just to stay cool.
Trump has maintained that his project is no different from changes made by past presidents. A Washington Post–ABC News–Ipsos poll found that only 28% of Americans surveyed support the ballroom expansion.
