While he may be preparing to build his own ballroom at the White House, Donald Trump didn’t stop there, revealing the existence of a grandiose plan to construct a “massive” military complex beneath the said ballroom. The American president disclosed this information while aboard Air Force One on Sunday (29/3), where he presented journalists with an image of the project’s design.
Trump praised the security features of the White House installation, noting that the building will feature “bulletproof glass” and a “drone-resistant roof.”
As he pointed out, the military complex is already under construction beneath the ballroom, and according to him, the project became known after a lawsuit, which he characterized as “ridiculous.”
“The U.S. military is currently building a massive complex beneath the ballroom, and this was recently revealed due to an absurd lawsuit that was filed,” he stated characteristically, adding that “the dance floor will function as protective cover for what lies beneath, including protection from drones and other threats.”
BELOW THE SURFACE: President Trump reveals the U.S. military is building a “massive complex” beneath the planned, privately-funded White House ballroom, and that construction is “ahead of schedule.” pic.twitter.com/VDbepFqox8
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 30, 2026
Reactions and legal challenge to Trump’s ballroom
The new ballroom, which will cover approximately 8,360 square meters, is set to replace the East Wing, which Trump ordered demolished in October 2025. Beneath that building was located the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, a bunker used during crises.
The plan has sparked reactions from lawmakers, historians, and cultural heritage protection organizations, while related legal proceedings are underway.
Critics express objections to the decision to demolish the old building without prior federal assessment or public consultation, while also highlighting aesthetic concerns regarding the size and character of the new construction.
According to the design, the ballroom will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 people, while the total cost of the project is estimated to reach $250 million. Trump mentioned that the space will be used for official dinners honoring foreign leaders, as well as other significant high-level events.
