Rapper Lil Wayne voiced support for President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom on Monday, saying the project would improve how the executive residence hosts performances, diplomatic events and major ceremonies.
During an appearance on the “Friends Keep Secrets” podcast, the Grammy-winning rapper, whose legal name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., said he believes critics misunderstood Trump’s explanation for building the venue. Lil Wayne pointed to the president’s comments about the limitations of hosting large gatherings outdoors.
“I’m so glad to hear Trump say — when they was mad at him about building the ballroom — and he was like, everything we do we have to do it on the d*** lawn,” Carter said. “People who don’t know nothing hear that and think he’s just being Trump. No, for real, I was glad to hear him saying that.”
Lil Wayne connected those remarks to his own experience performing at former Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2023 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop celebration. The event took place outside at Number One Observatory Circle, the vice president’s official residence.
The rapper mistakenly recalled the celebration as being held at the White House. He said the outdoor setting felt like a “backyard barbecue” and expressing surprise that guests were not brought inside.
Rapper Lil Wayne Excited For President Donald Trump’s White House Ballroom Plans On Friends Keep Secrets Podcast
The White House frequently stages large events on the South Lawn because of space and logistical requirements. Trump has argued that a permanent ballroom would provide a more suitable indoor venue for state dinners, cultural performances, diplomatic receptions and other high-profile gatherings.
The president renewed that argument after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting earlier this year. He writes on Truth Social that a ballroom would offer a “magnificent, safe, and secure” location for future events.
Trump has also defended the project’s rising price tag, rejecting criticism over construction costs. The estimated budget has increased from about $200 million to roughly $600 million, prompting scrutiny from lawmakers.
Trump has attributed the higher cost to a significantly larger design and upgraded construction standards. He argues the expanded ballroom would better accommodate future inaugurations and major White House events.
The project is expected to be financed through a combination of private donations and taxpayer funding.
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