US President Donald Trump made a low-profile visit to a Florida stone supplier on Friday as part of preparations for a new ballroom at the White House, with officials confirming that he is personally selecting and purchasing materials for the project.

According to a White House official, Trump is buying marble and onyx at his own expense for use in the planned White House ballroom. The official stressed that no public funds are being used for the purchase of the materials.

Pool reports said the presidential motorcade arrived at a shopping centre in Lake Worth, Florida, at approximately 9:46 a.m. Reporters accompanying the trip were kept in vans, and the president was not seen publicly during the visit. The shopping centre houses several businesses, including A1 Plus Stone Design, a retailer known for specialising in marble, onyx, and other stone products.

Officials did not disclose details regarding the quantity, specific types, or final selection of stone under consideration. Lake Worth is located in Palm Beach County, a short drive from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, where he frequently stays during visits to Florida.

The White House said Trump has taken a personal interest in the design and materials of the ballroom project, including interior finishes. The administration has described the new ballroom as a solution to long-standing space limitations at the White House, particularly for hosting large formal gatherings, state dinners, and diplomatic events.

According to officials, the planned ballroom is intended to blend with the existing architectural character of the White House complex. Images previously released by the administration depict a classically styled structure with ornate interiors designed to complement the historic setting.

The ballroom is expected to accommodate significantly more guests than current reception spaces, reducing the need for temporary outdoor tents that are often erected on the South Lawn for major events. The project is being framed as a permanent addition that would serve future administrations.

Planning for the ballroom has involved multiple discussions between Trump, White House staff, and federal agencies. The project is expected to require coordination with outside architects, construction firms, and engineering teams, as well as the US Secret Service to address security considerations.

The proposed location for the ballroom is the site of the existing East Wing, which has undergone numerous renovations over the past century. The White House has said construction costs are expected to run into the hundreds of millions of dollars and will be covered by private donations, including contributions from Trump himself.

For decades, US presidents have relied on the East Room or temporary structures to host large-scale events. Trump has described the ballroom as a lasting investment designed to enhance the White House’s capacity for major national and international functions.