"When completed, it will be the finest state ballroom ever built anywhere in the world, one that presidents have wanted for over 150 years," Trump recently wrote on social media, adding that future presidential inaugurations - which are usually held in or at the Capitol - could take place there.
Others are not as enthusiastic.
A pseudo-neoclassical building with poor proportions that does not match the White House in size, thunders Bruce Redman Becker, an architect who previously served on the Washington, D.C., Arts Commission, in The Washington Post.
Green light?
The Arts Commission and the Capital Planning Commission are the bodies that must approve the controversial building, which is planned to be about 8,000 square meters. The boards are reportedly led by Trump loyalists, which means that the quick planning permission that the White House is seeking is considered to have good prospects.
The updated construction plans have been submitted ahead of such a board meeting on March 5. The pillared and gold-adorned building stretches over a city block and is said to have space for nearly 1,000 seated guests.
Suddenly torn down
Real estate magnate Donald Trump has previously emphasized the importance of the ballroom being the same height and size as the area's main building, despite objections from historians and architects who claim the plan violates the guidelines for the White House grounds issued by the National Park Service.
It was in October that excavators and bulldozers began demolition work on the East Wing of the White House, built in 1902, which has long housed the office of the U.S. first lady and several reception rooms.
The Trump administration hopes that the new, privately financed building can begin construction in April and be in use by July 4, when the United States turns 250.
Office and residence of the President of the United States in Washington, DC and symbol of the executive branch. The address 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is one of the most famous in the world.
Construction began in 1792, carried out in part by enslaved Black people. It was designed by James Hoban and completed in 1800, when John Adams became the first president to move in.
Several additions have been made over the years, such as the West Wing in 1902. It houses the president's offices, including the Oval Office.
Sources: Whitehouse.gov, The White House Historical Association.
