During a recent crowded White House press conference, President Donald Trump made comments that highlighted a sharp difference between his administration’s plans for a fancy new ballroom and the ongoing cramped conditions of the press briefing area.
When asked about the possibility of improving the space for journalists, the President refused the idea, saying he had no interest in making the media’s work environment more comfortable. Trump said, “No, I don’t want to do that. I don’t want you to be comfortable,” Trump joked, sparking laughter in the crowd of reporters. “No, I don’t want to make life comfortable.” The main topic of discussion was a plan to build a large new ballroom at the White House.
This project, funded by President Trump and several private donors, is expected to cost around $200 million. According to Fox News, the project is needed because the current facilities are not good enough for hosting major international events. Right now, the White House uses a big, unattractive tent for these formal gatherings, which are meant to honor leaders from other countries. The new ballroom, described as a beautiful and necessary addition, is planned to be a massive 90,000 square foot space that can seat about 650 guests. Its design is meant to match the classic White House style.
Trump doesn’t want to renovate anything other than his ballroom
The talk about a new press room came up because of the current room’s poor conditions. The event was extremely crowded, with the space completely full of reporters. One journalist at the briefing pointed out how unusually packed it was, saying it was the most people they had ever seen in the room. Both the President and his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, acknowledged this, with Leavitt saying it was the most crowded briefing she had ever seen.
The tight space led to a question from reporter Brian Glenn, who connected the idea of a new ballroom to the possibility of a new briefing room. He asked the President if the administration might also consider building a modern, updated briefing room with more seating.
— La Derecha Diario (@laderechadiario) August 12, 2025
| Con humor pero diciéndolo en serio, Trump rechazó la propuesta de ampliar la sala de reuniones para periodistas: “No quiero que estén cómodos”. pic.twitter.com/daPwRWGzmy
The President’s answer was clear, though he said it in a joking way that made the audience laugh. He immediately rejected the suggestion, stating that he did not want to make things more comfortable for journalists. The comment made it obvious that the idea was not going to happen and showed the administration’s clear priorities.
Choosing to spend heavily on a new space for entertaining foreign leaders and big gatherings, while publicly refusing to consider a more modern and spacious area for reporters. It suggests that the administration cares more about impressive appearances than the practical needs of those who cover the government.
