Former White House Chief Usher Backs Trump’s Ballroom Project, Cites Historical Context

President Donald Trump’s controversial White House ballroom construction project has received unexpected support from Gary Walters, who served as White House chief usher for more than two decades under four presidents.

In a recent interview with The Associated Press discussing his newly published memoir, Walters confirmed that Trump is not alone in his desire for expanded entertainment space at the executive residence.

“All the presidents that I had an opportunity to serve always talked about some possibility of an enlarged area,” said Walters, who managed the White House for Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush from 1986 to 2007.

The White House announced in July that a 90,000-square-foot ballroom would be built on the east side of the complex, initially estimating costs at $200 million. Trump has repeatedly stated the project will be funded entirely through private donations, including his own contributions. The proposal has since evolved, with Trump increasing the planned capacity to 999 guests and the price tag doubling to $400 million.

The project has sparked controversy, particularly after images emerged showing the demolition of the two-story East Wing to make way for the new ballroom. Historians and preservationists expressed alarm at the changes to the historic structure.

However, Walters contextualized the current construction within the White House’s long history of structural evolution. “There’s always been construction going on around the White House,” he noted, citing previous major modifications including the addition of the West Wing in 1902, which required demolishing conservatories, greenhouses, and stables. He also mentioned the expansion of the residence with a third floor and the addition of the East Wing itself during World War II.

Walters explained that the White House’s limited entertainment capacity was a common concern among presidents. The State Dining Room can accommodate only about 130 guests for formal dinners, while the East Room fits approximately 300 chairs – fewer when space must be reserved for media equipment.

The traditional workaround – erecting large tents on the South Lawn for major events – created its own problems. “When it rained, the water flows downhill and the grass became soggy, no matter what we tried to do,” Walters recalled. “We dug culverts around the outside of the tent to try and get the water.” The tents also damaged the grass, requiring extensive reseeding efforts.

Despite providing context for the renovation, Walters acknowledged feeling some personal attachment to the now-demolished East Wing. “I met my wife at the White House and she worked in the East Wing, so that was a joy for me,” said the 79-year-old. His wife Barbara worked as a receptionist in the visitors office during the Nixon and Ford administrations. The couple recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary.

Walters’ path to becoming the longest-serving White House chief usher began unexpectedly. After being honorably discharged from the Army in 1970, he joined what was then called the Executive Protective Service (a precursor to the U.S. Secret Service). When a broken ankle temporarily prevented him from patrol duties, he was reassigned to the White House Police Control and Appointments Center, where he spent five years learning the intricate security systems of the executive mansion.

“This injury also changed the course of my career,” Walters wrote in his memoir, “White House Memories: 1970-2007: Recollections of the Longest-Serving Chief Usher.”

In 1976, Walters joined the Usher’s Office as an assistant, and a decade later, President Reagan promoted him to chief usher. In this role, he oversaw all aspects of White House operations, including maintenance, construction, renovation projects, food service, and personnel management for a staff of approximately 90 employees.

By the time he retired in 2007, Walters had witnessed remarkable presidential history across seven administrations, from Nixon to George W. Bush. When asked what he valued most about his 37-year White House career, Walters didn’t hesitate: “Getting to know and interact directly with the president, first lady, and other members of their family. It was an honor to get to know them with my own eyes and ears.”