BY COMFORT OGBONNA
U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed new and previously undisclosed details about a planned bunker-like White House ballroom complex, describing an extensive underground structure, advanced security features, and military-style facilities as part of what he says is a major upgrade to the presidential residence.
During a visit to the construction site, Trump spoke to reporters while touring the project, which he is using to argue for congressional approval of roughly $1 billion in funding for expanded security improvements to the White House complex. The visit took place amid active construction work, with ongoing noise and heavy building activity surrounding the site.
The project, according to Trump, is designed as a large-scale ballroom capable of hosting up to 1,000 guests, significantly more than current White House entertainment spaces can accommodate. He argued that the expansion is necessary to support major official events and state functions, positioning it as both a functional upgrade and a security necessity.
The proposal has drawn resistance from both Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans in United States Congress, who have criticized the scale and cost of the project at a time when Americans are facing rising fuel prices and broader economic pressure linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions and the conflict involving Iran.
Trump defended the project in strongly detailed terms, describing a heavily fortified structure that would include a hardened roof capable of withstanding direct attacks. He said the building would incorporate titanium fencing and reinforced materials designed to prevent forced entry or structural damage.
According to Trump, the roof would be constructed using what he called “impenetrable steel,” and would be engineered to resist drone impacts as well as other potential aerial threats. He added that the security design was informed by concerns raised after an alleged assassination attempt at a Washington hotel where he was attending a media event, which he said influenced his push for a more secure venue for large gatherings.
One of the most striking elements of the proposal is a six-story subterranean complex extending beneath the ballroom structure. Trump said construction is already underway on at least two of those underground levels. He described the underground section as a high-security zone intended to support critical functions and emergency preparedness.
Among the features he outlined is a military-style hospital located within the underground complex, along with unspecified research facilities. The White House did not provide additional details about the nature or purpose of the proposed research activities.
Trump also said the complex would include a drone base installed on the roof, designed to support what he described as “unlimited numbers of drones.” He suggested the facility would serve both defensive and operational purposes, claiming it would enhance security across Washington.
“The entire roof is built for military,” he said. “They have a massive drone capacity. Not only is it drone-proof, if a drone hits it, it bounces off, it won’t have any impact. But it’s also meant as a drone port that would protect all of Washington.”
He further described additional protective features such as four-inch-thick windows made from specialized glass that he said would remain transparent while offering high levels of protection. Trump emphasized the durability and strength of the materials, framing the project as both technologically advanced and security-focused.
“You can see through it as though it doesn’t exist,” he said, referring to the reinforced glass.
The overall scale of the proposed ballroom complex, which Trump said spans about 90,000 square feet, would make it substantially larger than existing structures within the White House grounds. He has argued that such an expansion is necessary to modernize the facility and accommodate growing demands for large-scale official events.
The proposal continues to spark political debate in Washington, with critics questioning the cost, scope, and timing of the project, while supporters argue it reflects a necessary investment in national security infrastructure.
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