POLITICS

Trump: Military Building Under White House Ballroom Project

PUBLISHED Mar 29, 2026, 11:40 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Center 75%

Right 25%

Sources: 8

Washington — President Donald Trump on March 30 said the US military is constructing a large complex beneath a privately funded ballroom he is building at the White House, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. He described the ballroom as matching the White House and cited bulletproof glass and drone-resistant features. The announcement follows demolition of an East Wing section last October and reporting that details surfaced in a recent lawsuit; agencies have not independently confirmed the subterranean project's specifications. The president said construction is ahead of schedule and that the privately funded project aims to host large state events.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

1940s: Presidential emergency bunker (PEOC) established beneath the East Wing.
October (previous year): East Wing section bulldozed to clear space for ballroom.
Early 2026: Media reported project budget rising from $200M to $400M.
March 2026: A lawsuit revealed previously undisclosed details about subterranean construction.
30 March 2026: President Trump told reporters the military is building a massive complex under the ballroom and construction is ahead of schedule.

News Intelligence

This project could impact your tax dollars. The budget has already doubled to $400M. It's privately funded, but if costs rise, public funds might be needed. Keep an eye on updates about the project's funding.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6

Who Benefited

The Trump administration, associated military planners and private contractors benefited by advancing a privately funded renovation that secures expanded facilities and generates construction contracts.

Who Impacted

Preservation advocates, fiscal watchdogs, and critics of executive renovation practices suffered due to demolition of a historic White House wing and contested transparency over project vetting.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 75%, Right 25%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

Preservation advocates, fiscal watchdogs, and critics of executive renovation practices suffered due to demolition of a historic White House wing and contested transparency over project vetting.