President Donald Trump has ordered the construction of a $200 million banquet hall in the East Wing of the White House, with construction slated to begin in September. The Trump administration announced the plans for the 90,000-square-foot banquet hall on Thursday, stating that the president and “other patriotic donors” would “donate the necessary funding” to complete the project before the end of his term. The White House did not specify how much the president would contribute personally, nor did it release the names of other donors. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the project would not cost “any government money,” describing it as a “great legacy project.” “I said in the first term, if I got elected again, I’d build a banquet hall,” he said. “It will be beautiful, top of the line. We’ve hired the best architects and engineers,” he added. The banquet hall is the latest and largest example of the former real estate investor's attempt to leave a permanent mark on the presidential residence and office. Trump has already installed gold leaf in the Oval Office and earlier this year ordered the White House Rose Garden’s grass to be replaced with a patio. He also installed two large flagpoles on the North and South lawns. The White House calls the banquet hall a “much-needed and exquisite addition” that can accommodate up to 650 people. The current main event space, the East Room, can only accommodate 200 people. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the new building will enable the government to “host world leaders for important events without having to erect ugly, large tents.” Trump told reporters that using large tents in rainy weather is a “disaster.” “People are walking through mud to get to the tents, and it’s not a pretty sight. Ladies in beautiful evening gowns…hair all done up, and they get there, and it’s a mess,” the president said. The Trump administration released artist renderings of the project, including an interior view: a vast banquet hall with classical columns and opulent gold chandeliers. Leavitt showed the images to reporters, calling the project “very beautiful.” White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said Trump is “a builder at heart” and has “an extraordinary eye for detail.” “The President and the Trump administration are fully committed to working with relevant agencies to protect the special history of the White House, while building a beautiful banquet hall for future administrations and generations of Americans to enjoy,” Wiles added. The construction of such a large and luxurious banquet hall raises questions about priorities in the face of economic and social challenges. While some see this hall as a valuable addition to the American heritage, others may feel that there is a greater need to direct these resources towards other more urgent projects, such as improving infrastructure or supporting social programs. It’s a reflection of differing perspectives on how public and private resources should be allocated and what constitutes a lasting legacy for a presidency.