In a surprising gesture from a decade and a half ago, President Donald Trump, then a prominent real estate mogul, reached out with an ambitious proposal to construct a grand ballroom at the White House for former President Barack Obama.
According to Breitbart, this story, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, reveals Trump's 2010 offer to build a modular ballroom at the White House, an idea that was declined by the Obama administration but is now taking shape with private donor funding.
For over 15 years, Trump had harbored a vision to create a lavish ballroom at the White House, a venue he believed was essential for hosting extravagant dinners with world leaders, lawmakers, and celebrities. His repeated attempts to bring this dream to life had fallen short until he made a direct pitch in early 2010. At that time, Trump was not yet a political figure but a well-known real estate developer and reality television personality.
Trump’s outreach in 2010 was facilitated through an unexpected connection with MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski, who had a closer relationship with him during that period. Brzezinski helped arrange a conversation between Trump and David Axelrod, a key strategist in Obama’s administration. During their discussion, Trump presented his idea for a modular ballroom that could be assembled and taken apart as needed.
Axelrod later recalled Trump’s blunt assessment of the existing setup for state dinners at the White House. “He said, ‘You have these state dinners in sh—y little tents,’” Axelrod recounted in an interview. “He said, ‘I build ballrooms. I build the most beautiful ballrooms in the world. You can come to Florida and see for yourself," Axelrod added.
Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, Axelrod had reservations about the proposal, particularly given the economic context of the time. “I was thinking, we’re in the middle of a recession, I’m not sure about this,” Axelrod admitted. The Obama administration ultimately decided against pursuing Trump’s offer, leaving the idea dormant for years.
Trump’s proposal wasn’t without merit, as the White House has long faced logistical challenges when hosting large events. Current arrangements often require esteemed guests to navigate grassy areas and rely on portable toilets set up outdoors. These conditions have been a point of contention for years, underscoring the need for a dedicated indoor space.
Fast forward to the present, and the vision of a White House ballroom is finally becoming a reality, though not under Trump’s direct involvement. The project is now underway, supported entirely by private donor contributions. The estimated cost of this ambitious endeavor is a staggering $350 million.
Interestingly, the idea has garnered support from various corners, including the editorial page of The Washington Post. The publication defended the ballroom project, highlighting its potential to address longstanding issues with event hosting. Even alumni from the Obama and Biden administrations have acknowledged the practical need for such a space.
The ballroom is expected to serve as a grand indoor venue, capable of accommodating large gatherings with dignity and ease. This development marks a significant shift from the outdoor setups that have often been criticized as inadequate. It also represents a partial vindication of Trump’s earlier vision, even if his initial offer was declined.
Back in 2010, Trump approached the ballroom proposal with the same mindset he applied to his real estate ventures. He focused on navigating regulatory hurdles and identifying potential loopholes to facilitate construction. His persistence in pushing for such a project reflects his long-held belief in the importance of grandeur for White House events.
While Trump’s direct involvement in the current project remains unclear, the reliance on private funding has allowed the ballroom to move forward. This financial model bypasses the budgetary constraints that may have influenced the Obama administration’s decision years ago. The initiative demonstrates how private resources can address public needs in unique ways.
The completion of the ballroom will likely transform how state dinners and other significant gatherings are conducted at the White House. No longer will guests face the inconvenience of outdoor setups during inclement weather or formal occasions. This change could elevate the stature of such events, aligning with Trump’s original intent.
Looking back, Trump’s 2010 proposal to Obama, though rejected at the time, planted a seed for what is now becoming a reality. The story, recently highlighted by the Wall Street Journal, sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of Trump’s pre-presidential ambitions. It also underscores the enduring challenge of modernizing historic spaces like the White House for contemporary needs.