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WASHINGTON (AP) — The desire for a larger entertaining space at the White House isn’t unique to any one president. That’s according to Gary Walters, the longest-serving chief usher in the residence’s history, offering historical context to the current plans for a new ballroom.
A Long History of White House Expansion
What’s the history of construction and renovation at the White House? The White House has undergone numerous changes throughout its history, from the addition of wings to the demolition of structures to make way for new projects.
Walters, who served as White House chief usher to Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush for over two decades, described his role as akin to being the general manager of the residence. He noted that each president he served expressed interest in expanding the entertaining areas.
“All the presidents that I had an opportunity to serve always talked about some possibility of an enlarged area” for entertaining, Walters said in a recent interview discussing his newly published memoir.
President Trump has publicly discussed building a White House ballroom for years, even before entering politics. In July, the White House announced plans for a 90,000-square-foot space on the east side of the complex, designed to accommodate 650 seated guests at an initial estimated cost of $200 million. Trump has stated the project will be funded through private donations, including contributions from himself.
The Republican president later increased the proposed ballroom’s capacity to 999 people. By October, the two-story East Wing of the White House was demolished to make way for the new construction. In December, the estimated price tag was updated to $400 million – double the original projection.
The demolition of the East Wing drew criticism from historians and preservationists, but Walters emphasized that construction and renovation are a long-standing tradition at the White House. He cited examples such as the demolition of conservatories, greenhouses, and stables to build the West Wing in 1902, the addition of a third floor to the residence, and the construction of the East Wing itself during World War II to provide workspace for the First Lady and White House staff.
“So there’s always been construction going on around the White House,” Walters said.
Past Presidents and Entertaining Space
During his tenure, Walters said one of the first topics discussed with incoming presidents, first ladies, and their social secretaries was the capacity of the White House’s largest public rooms. He noted that the presidents he served consistently mentioned the limitations in accommodating large gatherings.
The State Dining Room, when set up for a state dinner, can seat approximately 130 people – 13 round tables with 10 seats each. The East Room can accommodate around 300 chairs, though space is reduced if television cameras are present.
Trump has frequently expressed dissatisfaction with the size of both rooms and the need to use large tents on the South Lawn for major events, such as state dinners. Walters acknowledged the challenges with the tents, explaining, “When it rained, the water flows downhill and the grass became soggy, no matter what we tried to do. We dug culverts around the outside of the tent to try and get the water.” He added that the tents also damaged the grass, requiring reseeding.
Walters admitted that seeing the East Wing torn down was somewhat jarring, sharing a personal connection to the space. “I met my wife at the White House and she worked in the East Wing, so that was a joy for me,” said Walters, 79.
His wife, Barbara, worked as a receptionist in the visitors office during the administrations of Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. The couple recently celebrated 48 years of marriage.
An Accidental Career Path
Walters’s remarkable career as the longest-serving White House chief usher began with an unexpected turn of events.
In early 1970, at age 23, Walters was honorably discharged from the Army and sought a job that would allow him to continue his college education. He was hired by the Executive Protective Service, a precursor to the U.S. Secret Service.
However, shortly before his graduation ceremony, Walters broke an ankle playing football. Unable to perform patrol duties with a cast and crutches, he was temporarily assigned to the White House Police Control and Appointments Center, where he remained for five years.
“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.” The assignment provided him with “an in-depth knowledge of the ways and security systems of the White House that would ultimately greatly benefit me in my future role in the Usher’s Office.”
After being promoted to sergeant in 1975, Walters learned of an opening in the Usher’s Office and joined as an assistant in early 1976. A decade later, President Reagan appointed him chief usher, overseeing maintenance, construction, renovation, food service, and administrative functions with a staff of around 90 individuals.
Walters retired in 2007 after 37 years at the White House, including a record 21 years as chief usher. He served under seven presidents, from Nixon to George W. Bush, witnessing significant moments in presidential history, including a presidential resignation, an appointed vice president becoming president, impeachment proceedings, and a contested Supreme Court election decision.
When asked about his favorite aspect of the job, Walters stated, “without hesitation I say it is 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.”
