Fact Check Team: Trump's changes to the White House follow a long tradition

by EMMA WITHROW | Fact Check Team

Updated Sat, October 4th 2025 at 10:59 PM

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WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 20: U.S. President Donald Trump stops to look at the construction of his ballroom extension at the White House on September 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump said that he and private donors will pay for the $200 million, 900-person capacity ballroom extension to the White House. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

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WASHINGTON (TNND) — Construction for the White House’s new ballroom has officially begun, with crews breaking ground on the 90,000-square-foot project. But this is just one of several changes President Donald Trump is making to the executive mansion.

Major Modifications So Far

In the Oval Office, golden trim was added to the doorways along with a gilded presidential seal on the ceiling above the Resolute Desk. Trump also gifted two large flag poles to fly massive American flags on the North and South Lawns.

The Rose Garden underwent a revamp as well. Grass was replaced with stone paving—a change Trump said was necessary because high heels kept sinking into the lawn during events. The redesign also added yellow-and-white striped umbrellas and tables reminiscent of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.

The most significant change is the addition of the 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which will extend into the East Wing. Intended for state dinners and official events, the ballroom is designed to hold about 900 guests.

What’s the Cost?

According to the White House, these renovations come at no expense to taxpayers. Trump personally paid for the gold decorations and the flag poles.

The ballroom, with its roughly $200 million price tag, is being funded through private donations. As for the Rose Garden renovation, NPR reported that the $1.9 million cost was covered by private contributions to the Trust for the National Mall.

A History of White House Changes

While Trump’s modifications have sparked controversy, White House renovations are nothing new. According to the White House Historical Association, every president and first lady has left their stamp on the residence, sometimes in ways that were criticized at the time but are now seen as iconic.

In 1902, Theodore Roosevelt modernized the White House for the 20th century and created the West Wing. In 1952, Harry Truman oversaw a massive renovation that gutted and rebuilt the interior for safety reasons.

Other presidents and first ladies have made changes primarily for appearance or lifestyle:

Jacqueline Kennedy, Pat Nixon, and Hillary Clinton all renovated the Blue Room.

Lady Bird Johnson redesigned the East Garden and created the Children’s Garden.

Gerald Ford built the outdoor swimming pool.

Michelle Obama created the White House Kitchen Garden on the South Lawn.

A Tradition of Change

From structural overhauls to personal touches, the White House has been continually evolving since its cornerstone was laid in 1792. Trump’s ballroom may be the latest flashpoint, but history suggests it won’t be the last time Americans debate how presidents leave their mark on the most famous house in the country.