Secret contracts reveal Trump's White House renovation to cost at least $927m

The construction and renovation work Donald Trump is pursuing at the White House — even as he vows to appeal a court ruling blocking part of it — is projected to cost more than $900 million, according to a new report.

The Washington Post obtained classified contracts showing the total cost of construction and renovation work on White House grounds under the Trump administration amounts to at least $927 million.

The figure covers not only a new ballroom in the East Wing but also planned improvements to Lafayette Square near the White House, construction of a helicopter landing pad and the building of a new visitor security screening center.

The Trump administration has branded the effort the "White House Modernization Project," a sweeping renovation and construction drive that includes the new ballroom. The total price tag is far higher than previously known, and the Post said most of the cost would fall on taxpayers — contrary to Trump's earlier assurances that donations would cover the work without burdening the public. The Post described it as potentially the most expensive White House renovation in more than 80 years.

Rather than seeking funding directly from Congress, the Trump administration has been pooling money from other federal agencies and private donors into a White House maintenance and repair account, the Post reported. That account normally holds a few million dollars for routine upkeep of the presidential residence, but the administration has been using it as a funding channel for the modernization project.

As of late June, orders committed for payment from that account had already exceeded $100 million, the report said. However, the Post added that the full contracted amounts may not ultimately be spent if construction does not proceed as planned.

The White House declined to answer the Post's questions about the total cost or the sources of funding, but said the maintenance funds were being spent in a manner "consistent" with Congress's original intent.

"President Trump continues to pursue long-overdue and essential renovation work to beautify the People's House as our great nation celebrates its 250th year of independence," White House communications official Davis Engle said in a statement.

A federal appeals court ruled Friday that the Trump administration must obtain congressional approval before proceeding with the East Wing ballroom construction. Trump pushed back, calling it a "political ruling," and said he would appeal.