Washington, D.C., August 22, 2025
News Summary
The White House has suspended public tours due to a $200 million construction project for a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom. This decision affects thousands of visitors who usually tour the historic residence yearly. The suspension follows the resumption of tours earlier this year and raises concerns about educational opportunities for school groups and families. Funding for the project comes from President Trump and private donors. Officials are yet to provide a timeline for when public tours will resume amidst these extensive renovations.
Washington, D.C. – The White House has officially suspended public tours due to the commencement of a $200 million construction project for a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom, as confirmed by a White House official. The tours, which had only recently resumed in late February, are now on hold indefinitely, impacting thousands of visitors who typically tour the historic residence each year.
The announcement of the suspension marks the most significant public impact stemming from the ballroom construction project, which aims to provide a large event space for future administrations. Various congressional representatives, including Sen. Brian Schatz from Hawaii, recently updated their websites to inform constituents that they can no longer submit requests for White House tours starting September.
Rep. Eugene Vindman from Virginia, along with other officials, has noted the indefinite postponement of all tours because of extensive renovations. Similar updates have been shared by congressional offices for multiple representatives, including Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who confirmed that tour requests are paused but did not disclose specific reasons for the suspension.
The construction project was first announced in July, with preparations commencing in September. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that previous administrations had sought to create a large event space, which the current administration is now pursuing for the benefit of future leaders and the American public. The ballroom expansion signifies the most substantial alteration to the White House since President Trump’s presidency began.
Frustration has been voiced regarding the impact of the tour suspension on school trips and family visits. Sen. Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota highlighted how the pause on tours could obstruct educational opportunities for students eager to engage with their nation’s history through firsthand experiences at the White House.
Thousands of individuals generally visit the White House each year, with tour requests typically submitted by constituents through their respective congressional representatives. The suspension of tours is seen as a significant disruption, especially given that public access had only just resumed earlier this year following a previous hiatus. Under the Trump administration, the White House has undergone several decorative changes, including updates to the Oval Office and the Rose Garden, suggesting an ongoing commitment to renovations and enhancements within the historic building.
The ballroom project, which will cost an estimated $200 million, is being funded by President Trump and a group of donors, emphasizing private contributions towards this expansive initiative. As construction proceeds, many await clarification regarding when public tours might resume, creating a climate of uncertainty for visitors hoping to experience the historic residence during this period of change.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Type | New Ballroom Construction |
| Cost | $200 million |
| Area | 90,000 square feet |
| Tour Status | Suspended Indefinitely |
| Funding | President Trump and Donors |
| Previous Tour Resumption | Late February |
| Impact on visitors | Thousands affected, especially school groups |
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Additional Resources
- NBC News: White House Suspends Tours
- Wikipedia: White House
- USA Today: White House Suspends Tours
- Google Search: White House construction
- Washington Post: White House Tours Canceled
- Encyclopedia Britannica: White House
- ABC News: White House Tours Pause
- Google News: Trump ballroom construction
- HuffPost: Trump White House Tours Construction
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
