The White House ballroom construction project has intensified, with workers recently removing a large tree from the South Lawn. The effort is part of plans to build a presidential ballroom on the grounds, according to reports.
Details of the $200 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom remain unclear, as the White House has not disclosed architectural designs or exact locations for the structure. The project has also bypassed standard reviews by the National Capital Planning Commission, which typically oversees federal property changes in the capital region.
The removed tree, a southern magnolia planted by President Andrew Jackson in the 19th century, had historical significance. Estimated to be over 150 years old, it was deemed unsafe and felled in April 2025. A sapling of the same species was subsequently planted on the site by President Donald Trump, continuing a tradition tied to the tree’s legacy.
Construction activity has drawn attention, with officials noting the removal of trees, shrubs, and landscaping elements to prepare for the project. The ballroom’s completion remains unspecified, but its development has already sparked discussions about the transformation of the South Lawn.