The White House East Wing, long used for the first lady’s official business, is being redeveloped into a 600-person ballroom, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday.
Leavitt said the construction project would be funded by private donors, including President Donald Trump, whose wealth has shot up since taking office, largely from his cryptocurrency ventures.
“President Trump and other donors have generously committed to donating the funds necessary to build this approximately $200-million structure,” Leavitt said Thursday. “The United States Secret Service will provide the necessary security enhancements and modifications.”