Scenes at the White House construction site
The White House is seen May 2 from the top of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.
A member of the media raises her hand for a question March 29 as U.S. President Donald Trump talks while holding up renderings of the planned White House ballroom aboard Air Force One.
Construction crews, seen May 2 from the top of the Washington Monument, continue site preparation for a planned White House ballroom in the area of the former East Wing in Washington, D.C.
Construction crews continue site preparation May 2 for a planned White House ballroom in Washington, D.C.
Tourists view the White House and ballroom construction May 2 from the top of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.
Construction crews as they continue site preparation May 2 for a planned White House ballroom in Washington, D.C.
Construction continues May 14 on the planned White House ballroom in Washington, D.C.
A worker drinks water May 4 as construction continues on a planned White House ballroom in the area of the former East Wing, seen through a window in the East Room, in Washington, D.C.
Outside of Washington, Democratic candidates portray the ballroom project as a frivolous diversion from working Americans' concerns. Some Republicans say it's a needed improvement.
Trump repeatedly said the project would cost $400 million and private donations would pay for it.