In a surprising announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Sunday that a “large military complex” is being constructed beneath the new ballroom of the White House, located in the East Wing. This project has sparked criticism due to its lack of transparency and absence of Congressional approval.
During a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump explained that this construction is taking place amid rising international tensions, mentioning that the ballroom will serve as a “cover” for the military complex. “We have fully armored glass; we have drone-proof ceilings and coverings,” he stated while displaying the project plans.
The construction, initially budgeted at $200 million, has seen cost increases, reaching up to $400 million. Historians and conservation organizations have criticized the works due to the historical value of the area, and a lawsuit from the National Trust for Historic Preservation seeks to halt the construction until legislative approval is obtained, as detailed in previous reports.
