Rapper Lil Wayne has voiced support for President Donald Trump's plan to construct a White House ballroom, arguing that the project addresses a practical need for indoor event space. Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., stated on the "Friends Keep Secrets" podcast that the proposed ballroom would prevent performers from being relegated to outdoor settings for significant events.
"I'm so glad to hear Trump say — when they was mad at him about building the ballroom, and he was like, 'Because everything we do we have to do it on the damn lawn,'" Lil Wayne said. He added that critics who oppose the project "don't know nothing" about its purpose.
His remarks were influenced by his experience performing at a 2023 event celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, hosted by then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Lil Wayne described the outdoor venue at Number One Observatory Circle as feeling like a "backyard barbecue."
Trump has promoted the ballroom as an essential upgrade to provide a permanent indoor facility for state dinners, diplomatic receptions, performances, and other major functions, while also improving security. In a May post on Truth Social, Trump indicated the project was progressing rapidly and dismissed concerns about rising costs. He explained that the increased price was due to a redesign that made the ballroom approximately twice the size and of higher quality than the initial proposal. Trump stated the original plan would have been inadequate for necessary events and future inaugurations.
He indicated the original proposal was estimated at $200 million, with the expanded project costing "less than 400 Million Dollars." Trump described the new ballroom as "magnificent, safe, and secure!" and claimed it was being completed ahead of schedule and under budget.
Lil Wayne expressed confusion upon arriving for the hip-hop anniversary performance, admitting he initially believed he was headed inside the actual White House.