President Donald Trump has disclosed details of a massive, previously secret military complex being constructed beneath the new White House ballroom. During a press conference at the construction site on Tuesday, Trump revealed that the 90,000-square-foot ballroom will sit atop a six-story-deep underground facility housing a military hospital, research labs, and meeting rooms.
Drone-Proof Roof and 360-Degree Security
The ballroom will be capped with a flat, drone-proof roof designed for U.S. military operations, offering a 360-degree view for snipers. Trump emphasized that the roof acts as a shield, protecting the lower floors. “They couldn’t build the lower floors without that shield over the top of it,” he said.
Funding and Collaboration
Trump stated that the project is a joint effort with the U.S. military and the Secret Service, both contributing funding to house their operations. The added capacity has doubled the originally intended size. “It’s larger because they wanted more military capacity. They wanted more drone capacity,” he explained.
Legal Challenges and Secrecy
The military aspects were meant to remain secret but emerged through a lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which sought to halt construction. A federal court initially sided with the Trust in late March, but an appeals court allowed work to continue pending a June 5 hearing. Trump criticized the leak as “unpatriotic” but added, “It’s going to be great.”
Historical Context
Trump noted the historic military use of the now-demolished East Wing, referencing a bunker built for President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II. The Presidential Emergency Operations Center, updated for nuclear threats, was dismantled during initial renovations, according to CNN.
Ballroom Necessity and Cost
Trump argued the ballroom is needed to host foreign dignitaries, as the current largest room holds only 125 people. He claimed the $400 million project is funded by his money and private donations, calling it “tax-free.” However, the administration is seeking an additional $1 billion in taxpayer funds for security upgrades at the White House.
