Lil Wayne has weighed in on Donald Trump’s White House expansion plans. The rapper says the proposed ballroom solves a problem he experienced firsthand. Speaking on a recent podcast, Wayne backed Trump’s plan to add a permanent ballroom to the White House, arguing that major performances deserve an indoor venue instead of being held outside.
Lil Wayne explains support for Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project
Lil Wayne said his support for the proposed ballroom comes from personal experience rather than politics. During an appearance on the Friends Keep Secrets podcast, the rapper recalled performing at then-Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2023 celebration marking the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, an event held outdoors at Number One Observatory Circle.
Reflecting on Trump’s comments about the project, Wayne said he understood exactly why the president wanted the new venue. “I’m so glad to hear Trump say” the White House needs a ballroom because events end up happening “on the damn lawn,” Wayne said.
He added that many critics “don’t know nothing” and may assume Trump is simply making another headline-grabbing statement, but, in his view, the issue is real. Wayne described the Harris event as feeling more like a “backyard barbecue” than a formal White House celebration.
Trump has repeatedly promoted the ballroom as a long-term upgrade for the White House. He has said it would host everything from state dinners and diplomatic receptions to concerts and other large-scale White House functions while also improving security for those events.
In a Truth Social post earlier this year, Trump said the project was progressing quickly and rejected reports that costs had spiraled out of control. According to Trump, the ballroom expanded from its original concept because the first design was too small. He said the revised version is expected to cost less than $400 million, compared with an earlier estimate of $200 million, while remaining ahead of schedule.
For those not in the know, Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. one of hip-hop’s most influential artists. The five-time Grammy winner is known for albums including Tha Carter III, Tha Carter IV, and Tha Carter V.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.
