Arabic version: مشروع قاعة الرقص في البيت الأبيض يشهد توسعًا كبيرًا وتكاليف مرتفعة

Plans for a new ballroom at the White House, initially announced by President Donald Trump, have dramatically expanded over the past year. Originally projected to cost $200 million, the estimated expenses have now doubled to $400 million. The project, which was said to be funded privately, now requires additional financial support from Congress for security enhancements, particularly in light of rising living costs linked to the Iran war.

According to BBC News, the ballroom was proposed to accommodate larger events and enhance national security. However, the scope of the project has evolved to include features such as a rooftop drone port, an underground hospital, and military facilities. The president has emphasized the need for these security upgrades following a recent assassination attempt.

The ballroom’s construction, which was expected to start last year, has seen significant changes since its announcement. Initial plans included a space of approximately 90,000 total square feet, capable of seating 650 guests, a substantial increase from the existing East Room’s capacity of 200. The East Wing, which had housed dozens of rooms including the First Lady’s office for over 120 years, has been demolished to make way for the new development.

Trump has insisted that the project will not impose costs on taxpayers, claiming it will be funded through private donations. However, Republican requests for a $1 billion security package related to the ballroom were rejected by Congress, although a separate $400 million bill remains under consideration. The White House has faced questions about the legality of altering the historic structure, with a lawsuit filed by the US National Trust for Historic Preservation challenging the administration’s authority to proceed without review.