White House responds to speculation over Trump’s new ballroom and its rumored name

The White House has denied reports that President Donald Trump plans to name the new East Wing ballroom after himself, following widespread speculation that sparked political debate and online backlash.

On Friday, ABC News reported that some administration officials had been referring to the privately funded project as “The President Donald J. Trump Ballroom.”

However, White House spokesman Davis Ingle refuted the claim, telling Fox News Digital, “Any announcement made on the name of the ballroom will come directly from President Trump himself, and not through anonymous and unnamed sources.”

When asked by reporters earlier this week about the rumored name, Trump avoided giving a direct answer. “I won’t get into that now,” he told ABC News, leaving the topic open-ended.

The ballroom, which Trump announced on Truth Social Monday, is part of a sweeping renovation of the White House’s East Wing.

The President emphasized that the project will be entirely privately funded, stating, “I am honored to be the first president to finally get this much-needed project underway, with zero cost to the American taxpayer.”

The new addition, intended for official events, state visits, and large gatherings, has faced sharp criticism from Democrats.

Despite the backlash, the Trump administration has defended the construction, noting that previous presidents have sought expanded event space.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Fox News that “nearly every President has made their own renovations,” and that Trump’s ballroom fulfills a long-standing need for a larger formal venue.

With construction already underway, the White House maintains that any official naming decision will be announced personally by President Trump once the project nears completion.