The White House suspended public tours due to the construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom requested by President Donald Trump.
The project, which is estimated to cost $200 million, is scheduled to begin in September. Trump and private donors will cover the cost, according to the White House.
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The ballroom is expected to accommodate up to 650 people, more than triple the current 200-person capacity of the East Room, allowing for larger-scale events.
White House tours are typically arranged through congressional representatives. Some lawmakers have updated their websites to notify constituents of the pause in tours.
The ballroom will be built adjacent to the East Wing and is expected to be completed in early 2029, before the end of Trump’s term.
TRUMP TAPS CLARK CONSTRUCTION FOR $200M WHITE HOUSE EXPANSION
No date has been announced for when tours will resume.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the White House for comment.