Lil Wayne backs Trump White House ballroom plan

Rapper Lil Wayne has publicly endorsed President Donald Trump's plan to build a large ballroom at the White House, citing his own experience performing at an outdoor political event. The musician, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., made the comments during an appearance on the "Friends Keep Secrets" podcast released on July 21.

Wayne explained his support stems from a performance he gave at a 2023 celebration marking the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, which was hosted by then-Vice President Kamala Harris at her official residence, Number One Observatory Circle. He recalled the outdoor setting felt like a "backyard barbecue" and expressed surprise that guests never went inside. This experience, he said, made him understand Trump's argument that the White House lacks a proper indoor venue for major 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,'" Wayne said. He added that people who dismiss the idea are not recognizing the logistical need.

President Trump has repeatedly promoted the ballroom as a long-overdue upgrade for the executive mansion. He has...