President Trump’s plans to add a massive $200 million ballroom to the White House is angering critics, who see him moving forward with the long-sought project as part of his desire to leave a lasting mark not only on the office of the presidency but the first house as well.

The construction of the ballroom, the cost of which the White House says will be covered by Trump and other donors, will begin in September.

Trump is also paving the White House Rose Garden (though the rose bushes will be saved), which the White House says is necessary so people can walk more easily for events held in the space.

And he’s added his personal gold touch to the Oval Office.

Trump says he sees the ballroom as a way to add to his legacy.

And while detractors say his decorative and more substantial changes are out of touch and ostentatious, he says they are necessary.

“I always said I was going to do something about the ballroom because they should have one,” he told reporters Thursday. “So we’ll be leaving it, it will be a great legacy project. And, I think it will be special.”

When asked if any government funds will be used to construct the 90,000 square foot facility, Trump replied, “no government dollars, no.”

The White House said the sprawling event space will be built adjacent to the White House where the East Wing sits.

The goal is to complete construction before the end of Trump’s term in January 2029. Trump’s vision is for a space where he and future presidents can host state dinners, large gatherings with business leaders and other ritzy parties or functions.

“We’ve been planning it for a long time,” Trump said. “They’ve wanted a ballroom at the White House for more than 150 years. There’s never been a president that was good at ballrooms. I’m really good.”

Democrats and regular Trump critics offered a........

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