Trump Personally Shops for Marble as Plans Move Forward for New White House Ballroom

President Donald Trump spent part of Friday in Florida personally selecting marble and onyx for a planned new White House ballroom, underscoring his hands-on role in a project that would significantly alter the historic complex.

According to a White House official, Trump stopped by Arc Stone & Tile near Mar-a-Lago, an importer that specializes in Italian marble. The materials are expected to be purchased at Trump’s personal expense as part of a sweeping renovation effort he has championed since returning to office.

The proposed ballroom, now estimated at roughly 90,000 square feet, has grown in both size and cost since it was first announced last summer. Trump initially said the project would cost about $200 million and would not impact the existing White House structure. Months later, the administration moved forward with demolishing the East Wing, with Trump now estimating the total cost could reach up to $400 million, funded through personal spending and private donations.

The ballroom project has become the most ambitious — and controversial — of several changes Trump has overseen at the White House, including paving over the Rose Garden and redesigning interior spaces such as the Oval Office. His design preferences lean heavily toward white marble and gold accents, mirroring the aesthetic of his Mar-a-Lago estate.

The demolition of the East Wing in October triggered public backlash and legal challenges, particularly over the administration’s attempt to bypass traditional planning and review processes. A federal judge has since ordered Trump officials to begin consultations with key planning commissions, a step that could determine whether the project proceeds as scheduled.

Despite the legal hurdles, the administration is pursuing an aggressive timeline. Officials plan to seek approvals from the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts in January, potentially allowing construction to begin as early as spring and conclude by mid-2028.

Trump has dismissed criticism of the project, calling the ballroom a long-overdue addition to the White House and frequently sharing updates and renderings with allies and visiting foreign leaders. The proposed design envisions a gold-and-white ballroom that could visually dominate the historic property.

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