Trump Reveals New White House Ballroom Will Include Military Bunker

The president says the $400 million project will have enhanced security features like bulletproof glass and 'drone-proof' roofs.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:38am

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President Donald Trump announced that the new White House ballroom currently under construction will include a military bunker complex underneath it. Trump said the ballroom will have significant security upgrades like bulletproof glass and 'drone-proof' roofs and ceilings, though he noted the overall $400 million cost estimate remains unchanged.

Why it matters

The revelation that the new White House ballroom will include a military bunker signals the administration's continued focus on security and preparedness, especially in the aftermath of events like the 9/11 attacks and the 2020 George Floyd protests. The enhanced security features also reflect broader concerns about potential threats to the president and the White House complex.

The details

Trump said the military is building a 'massive complex' underneath the new 90,000 square-foot ballroom, which will essentially turn the ballroom into a 'shed' above the bunker. The Presidential Emergency Operations Center, which previously functioned as a secure bunker under the East Wing, was demolished to make way for the new ballroom project. In addition to the underground bunker, the ballroom itself will feature bulletproof glass and 'drone-proof' roofs and ceilings.

  • The White House East Wing, including the previous presidential bunker, was demolished to make way for the new ballroom project.
  • Trump revealed details about the ballroom's security features on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who announced details about the new White House ballroom project and its security features.

George W. Bush

The 43rd President of the United States, who used the previous presidential bunker under the East Wing during the 9/11 attacks.

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What they’re saying

“The military is building a massive complex under the ballroom. The ballroom essentially becomes a shed.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“Unfortunately, we're living in an age when that's a good thing.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

The takeaway

The inclusion of a military bunker in the new White House ballroom project reflects the administration's ongoing focus on security and preparedness, particularly in the aftermath of high-profile events that have raised concerns about potential threats to the president and the White House complex. The enhanced security features, including bulletproof glass and 'drone-proof' roofs, signal the administration's efforts to fortify the presidential residence and its surrounding facilities.