Trump’s White House ballroom could now cost $400 million

President Trump said the price tag of his White House ballroom could reach $400 million, double the originally announced cost of $200 million.

The president railed against criticism of the ballroom, including a lawsuit that was brought against it.

“We’re donating a $400 million ballroom, and we got sued not to build it,” Mr. Trump said at a Hanukkah reception Tuesday at the White House. “For 150 years, they’ve wanted a ballroom, and we’re giving them, myself and donors are giving them, free of charge for nothing. We’re donating a building that’s approximately $400 million.”

Mr. Trump said, “I think I’ll do it for less. But it’s 400. I should do it for less. I will do it for less. But just in case, I say 400. Otherwise, if I say $3 over, the press will say it cost more.”

The funds for the ballroom have come from donations from Mr. Trump’s wealthy friends.

He said it will be “the most beautiful ballroom, and it will handle inaugurations.”

“It’s got 5-inch-thick glass windows. Impenetrable by anything but a howitzer,” he said. “Who else but in our country would sue to stop a $400 million beautiful ballroom?”

He said they “won the case” against the National Trust for Historic Preservation. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said earlier Tuesday that he was inclined to deny the trust’s request for a temporary restraining order on construction on the ballroom until review processes are completed.

The judge said the trust didn’t provide enough evidence that the underground construction being completed currently would cause “irreparable harm.” But, he warned the administration to keep the construction underground for now, and if any of the work done will affect the above-ground design of the building, they should be prepared to take it down.

Another hearing is expected in January.

The ballroom was originally said to be 90,000 square feet and cost $200 million, but the president then started saying it would be $300 million “because it is going to be double the size.”

The original plan was for it to seat 650, but the president has also since said it will hold nearly 1,000 people.

Plans for the ballroom are expected to be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission by the new year.