Six-story underground structure to include medical unit, defence systems, and reinforced construction.
Washington: US President Donald Trump has revealed new details about the construction of the White House’s upcoming ballroom, describing the project as a heavily fortified facility featuring extensive underground infrastructure, advanced defence systems, and enhanced presidential security measures.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the structure extends nearly six stories below ground and will house critical operational facilities, including a modern medical unit for emergency presidential care and secure defence-related spaces.
“This goes down very deep about six stories deep,” Trump said while highlighting the scale of the construction, calling it a major undertaking.
Originally presented as a privately funded ballroom intended for official events and state gatherings, the project has increasingly evolved into a broader security-focused complex following heightened concerns over presidential safety after a failed security incident near the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
Trump said the facility is being constructed with reinforced steel, thick protective glass, and thousands of pounds of concrete to strengthen security standards. He also disclosed plans for rooftop drone capabilities and designated sniper positions as part of the complex’s defence framework.
According to the president, the enclosed construction approach is intended to maintain controlled environmental conditions and reduce external risks linked to air quality or security vulnerabilities.
The announcement comes ahead of Trump’s scheduled annual medical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on May 26. Trump, who turns 80 in June, continues to face public attention over his health as the oldest president to be sworn into office.
