Trump's White House ballroom project doubles in size and cost within a year

Donald Trump's administration's plan to build a new ballroom in the White House has doubled in both size and cost over the past year. BBC Verify's analysis examines how this project has become one of the largest changes to the White House in decades.

US President Donald Trump has commissioned the construction of a new ballroom in the White House, which has turned out to be the largest overhaul of the historic presidential residence in Washington in decades. According to a BBC Verify investigation, the project has grown dramatically over the past year-doubling in both scale and cost.

What was initially presented as a relatively modest addition has now grown into a considerably more complex undertaking. Critics have questioned whether such extensive renovation work represents a prudent use of taxpayers' money, particularly as the Trump administration has cut numerous federal expenditures.

The White House's historic buildings have always been a sensitive matter-any changes must balance practical needs with the preservation of historical heritage. Previous presidents have undertaken renovations, but a new construction of this magnitude has not been attempted in decades. The project has also raised questions about building permits and oversight.

BBC Verify's analysis shows that the project's original price tag and final cost differ significantly, raising concerns about a lack of transparency. The entire process illustrates the Trump administration's broader approach to managing government property and public sector construction projects.