Trump Reveals Military Building 'Massive Complex' Under New White House Ballroom

President says the secret construction is for national security purposes.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:54pm

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A fractured, abstract painting in shades of gray, navy, and black, depicting an angular, geometric structure in an avant-garde, fragmented style, conceptually representing the hidden, clandestine nature of a secret government construction project.A secret military complex beneath the White House raises concerns about transparency and oversight of sensitive government construction projects.Washington Today

President Donald Trump has revealed that the U.S. military is building a large, secret complex underneath the new $400 million ballroom being constructed at the White House. Trump claims the project, which includes features like bulletproof glass and drone-proof roofs, is for national security reasons, though it was originally intended to be kept secret.

Why it matters

The construction of a major new facility under the White House raises significant questions about the scope and purpose of the project, as well as concerns about transparency and oversight of such a sensitive endeavor on the president's private property.

The details

According to Trump, the military is building a 'massive complex' under the new White House ballroom, which is being constructed after the president directed the demolition of the East Wing. Trump says the complex will include features like bulletproof glass and drone-proof roofs, and claims it is for national security purposes, though the project was originally intended to be kept secret.

  • Trump revealed the construction project on March 29, 2026 while speaking to reporters on Air Force One.
  • Last year, Trump directed that the East Wing of the White House be demolished to make way for the new $400 million ballroom.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has revealed details about a secret military construction project under the new White House ballroom.

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What they’re saying

“'Now, the military is building a big complex under the ballroom, which has come out recently because of a stupid lawsuit that was filed.'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“'We have all bulletproof glass, we have drone-proof roofs, ceilings.'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The White House and Pentagon have not provided additional details about the scope and purpose of the secret military complex being built under the new White House ballroom. Congressional oversight committees may seek more information about the project and its national security justification.

The takeaway

This revelation raises significant concerns about transparency and oversight of sensitive construction projects on White House grounds, especially those involving the military. It also highlights the president's continued tendency to make unilateral decisions and disclose sensitive information without coordination with other government entities.