President Trump is considering naming the new White House ballroom after himself following days of controversy over his administration’s pricey East Wing project.
The new space is expected to be 90,000 square feet and referred to as "The President Donald J. Trump Ballroom," according to a report from ABC News.
Earlier in the week, when the president was asked what he’d name the space, he told reporters, “I won’t get into that now.” A senior White House official told Kellie Meyer of NewsNation, The Hill's sister station, that they "don't think a decision has been made" on the name of the ballroom.
The total cost for the ballroom is reportedly $300 million, but a senior administration official told ABC News that Trump has raised $350 million for the project so far.
The official said the president "has received such positive and overwhelming support for the ballroom that he continues to receive donations," according to the outlet.
While some are cheering on Trump’s push to revamp a portion of the White House, others are slamming the president for demolishing the East Wing in the process.
Critics have also raised concerns about the use of private donors, suggesting there could be a conflict of interest at play.
“Over the years many presidents have made changes. This obviously would be the biggest change. But this is something they’ve wanted for at least 150 years,” Trump said last Wednesday prior to hosting a private dinner for donors.
The White House released a full list of individuals and companies sponsoring the project on Thursday as questions about funding persisted. Amazon, Apple, Google, the Lutnick family, Kelly Loeffler and Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman are among those who have pledged donations.
Companies are being asked to contribute a lump sum or pay in up to three installments by 2027, CBS News reported.
Source: The Hill - News
