Trump Orders Multiple Construction Projects at White House and Potomac River

President Trump has directed construction of a new White House ballroom, a 250-foot arch on the Potomac River, and other changes to federal property in Washington, D.C. The ballroom project began after the East Wing was demolished. Initial plans called for $400 million in private donations, but the White House later requested an additional $1 billion in public funds for security.

The funding measure was removed from a Senate bill on Wednesday.

Additional work included new flagpoles, gilded furnishings in the Oval Office, and a display of framed presidential photos along the West Colonnade.

A 250-foot arch modeled on the Arc de Triomphe is planned across from the Lincoln Memorial. Preliminary site surveys began last month. Axios reported the structure could cost about $100 million, with some costs covered by taxpayers.

Trump also discussed plans to repaint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He presented a chart comparing its height to skyscrapers during a June 3 executive order signing. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the projects divert funds from other priorities. A YouGov poll found 53 percent of Americans opposed the ballroom project, while an Ipsos survey showed 52 percent opposed the arch.