First Lady Melania Trump Commits to White House Tour Tradition Amid State Ballroom Construction

The Office of the First Lady has announced a temporary pause in White House tours as construction begins on a new State Ballroom addition. Nicholas Clemens, the first lady’s communications director, emphasized that the pause is proactive to manage public access during the project. The 90,000-square-foot addition will host official events, state dinners, and large ceremonial gatherings. The design of the ballroom will remain true to the classical style of the White House. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that construction is scheduled to begin in September and is expected to be completed before the end of President Trump’s term. The State Ballroom addition is part of a continued tradition of upgrading the presidential residence, with past presidents and first ladies contributing to such projects. From Theodore Roosevelt’s West Wing to Lyndon Johnson’s gardens and Barack Obama’s kitchen garden, each administration has left its mark on the White House. The pause in tours is temporary, and the first lady remains committed to maintaining public access to the White House. The White House tour route has evolved over time, and the addition of the State Ballroom will likely be a new chapter in this ongoing tradition.