Resolution Criteria

This market will resolve to the date of the first official event held in the newly constructed White House ballroom. An "official event" is defined as any function, reception, dinner, or gathering hosted by the President, First Lady, or the White House administration that takes place within the completed new ballroom space.

Resolution will be determined by the earliest confirmed date of such an event as reported in official White House statements (e.g., WhiteHouse.gov, presidential press briefings) or corroborated by reputable news organizations (e.g., Associated Press, Reuters, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal).

Background

Construction of a new, privately funded ballroom at the White House commenced in September 2025 under President Donald Trump. The project involves the demolition and rebuilding of the East Wing to create a 90,000-square-foot space designed to accommodate 900-999 people. This expansion aims to provide a larger venue for formal events, such as state dinners, as presidents have historically used the smaller East Room or temporary tents on the South Lawn for such functions. The White House anticipates the ballroom's completion "long before" the end of President Trump's current term in January 2029.

Considerations

The project has involved the demolition of the existing East Wing, a structure that was built in 1902 and last renovated in 1942. While the White House is largely exempt from standard review processes for federal buildings, the rapid pace of demolition and construction has drawn attention. The final cost of the ballroom has been reported to be around $300 million, funded through private donations.