Trump Announces Major Military Complex Under White House Ballroom
President Donald Trump revealed on Sunday that a large military complex is being constructed beneath the new White House ballroom, a detail that came to light through a recent lawsuit.
This 90,000-square-foot ballroom will be located directly above a nuclear bunker, which was built in the 1940s to protect sitting presidents during emergencies.
“Now, the military is building a big complex under the ballroom, which has come out recently because of a stupid lawsuit that was filed,” Trump stated.
The bunker, previously situated under the East Wing, was demolished last year to make way for this $400 million project.
Overview: Project Details
- The ballroom: At 90,000 square feet, it’s intended to accommodate up to 999 guests for state dinners and significant events. Trump described the space as a “monument” and essentially a “shield” for military operations underneath.
- The military complex: While many specifics remain classified, this facility is set to replace the former Presidential Emergency Operations Center (PEOC), which was dismantled with the East Wing.
- Security features: Trump mentioned the inclusion of “high-grade bulletproof glass” and “drone-proof” roofs and ceilings in the design.
- Funding: The ballroom’s entire $400 million cost is said to be covered by Trump and private donations, while the military portion is managed separately by the Department of War (DoW).
“But the military is building a massive complex under the ballroom, and that’s under construction, and we’re doing very well. We have all bullet-proof glass, we have drone-proof roofs, ceilings. Unfortunately, we’re living in an age when that’s a good thing,” the president noted.
“The ballroom essentially becomes a shed,” he observed.
“I’m so busy that I don’t have time to do this, but I’m fighting wars and other things,” he alluded. “But this is very important. It’s going to be with us for a long time, and I think it’ll be the greatest ballroom anywhere in the world.”
In a recent legal challenge, the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) attempted to pause construction, arguing that the Trump Administration failed to adhere to necessary reviews and public feedback.
Although U.S. District Judge Richard Leon initially dismissed the lawsuit, he suggested that the NTHP might be able to strengthen its arguments by amending them.
The future of this project now hinges on two major upcoming events: a crucial vote by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) on April 2, 2026, and a ruling from Judge Leon on whether to freeze construction while the legal battles continue.
“Unfortunately, because both sides initially focused on the President’s constitutional authority to destruct and construct the East Wing of the White House, the Plaintiff didn’t bring the necessary cause of action to test the statutory authority the President claims as the basis for this project,” Leon wrote.
However, court documents indicate that the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) has expressed concerns that halting construction could pose national security risks.
Trump emphasized that the new structure will honor the original design, won’t exceed the White House’s height, and will provide a more fitting venue for official events.
“Now it’s no secret the military wanted it more than anybody,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting. “It was supposed to be secret but it became un-secret because of people that are really unpatriotic saying things. But, it doesn’t matter. It’s going to be great.”
“This ballroom is gonna be something. It’s so beautiful for this city, so desperately needed by presidents,” he concluded.
