Topline
The Trump administration on Thursday announced construction will begin in September on a $200 million ballroom at the White House that appears to be almost twice as big as the existing structure and will add an event space capable of seating 650 people.
Called the White House State Ballroom, the addition will be approximately 90,000 total square feet, which is significantly larger than the 55,000-square-foot White House.
Renderings show a massive building standing in place of the current East Wing, which serves as office space for the first lady and her staff, and connected to the main White House by an enclosed walkway.
Trump and his donors have said they will raise the funds necessary for the addition, which is expected to be completed "long before the end of President Trump’s term," the White House said Thursday.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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