Trump Projected to Pour 1.3 Trillion Won into White House Construction, Largest Scale in 80 Years

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to pour more than 900 million dollars into White House construction and remodeling projects, the Washington Post reported on the 12th (local time), citing confidential contracts it obtained.

The Washington Post reported that the total cost of the construction and remodeling projects within the White House grounds promoted by the Trump administration is estimated to reach at least 927 million dollars (about 1.3132 trillion won).

This includes not only the construction of the White House East Wing ballroom, but also improvements to Lafayette Square near the White House, the construction of a helicopter landing pad, and the establishment of a new visitor security screening center.

The Washington Post reported that the total cost of this project, which the Trump administration named the "White House Modernization Project," is much larger than previously reported amounts, making it potentially the largest White House renovation project in about 80 years.

The Washington Post analyzed that taxpayers will foot most of the construction costs.

Instead of securing the budget necessary for White House renovations and various construction directly through Congress, the Trump administration has reportedly raised funds from other federal agencies and private donors, depositing them into a White House maintenance and repair account for use.

While this account typically holds millions of dollars for the routine maintenance of the presidential residence, the Trump administration has been utilizing it as a funding channel for the White House Modernization Project, according to the Washington Post's analysis.

As of the end of June, contract orders committed for payment from this account alone were found to have exceeded 100 million dollars.

However, the Washington Post also left open the possibility that funds may not be disbursed as stated in the obtained contracts if the construction does not proceed as planned.

The White House did not respond to the Washington Post's questions regarding the total cost of the planned construction or the source of the funds, stating only that White House maintenance funds are being spent in a "manner consistent" with the original intent of Congress.

Davis Ingle, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement, "President Trump continues to advance long-delayed and essential remodeling projects to beautify the 'People's House' as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of our great nation's independence."

Previously, a federal appeals court ruled on the 7th that the Trump administration needs congressional approval to continue construction on the White House East Wing ballroom.

President Trump criticized this as a "political ruling" and announced plans to appeal.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.