Trump Reveals Massive Military Complex Being Built Beneath White House Ballroom

The president claims the $400 million project is being funded by donors and will include bullet-proof glass and drone-proof ceilings.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:04pm

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A fractured, abstract painting in dark colors depicting the silhouette of the White House, conveying a sense of chaos and secrecy surrounding the underground construction project.The controversial construction of a new White House ballroom has unveiled a secret underground military complex, sparking concerns over transparency and the appropriate use of government resources.West Palm Beach Today

In new remarks, former President Donald Trump revealed that the U.S. military is constructing a "massive complex" underneath the controversial $400 million ballroom being built in the spot of the White House's former East Wing. Trump claimed the underground construction is meant to shield against drones and other threats, and will include high-grade bullet-proof glass. The president said the project is being funded by donors and not taxpayer money, but its details were recently made public due to a "stupid lawsuit" filed by a historic preservation group.

Why it matters

The revelation of the secret military construction project underneath the White House ballroom has raised concerns about transparency and the use of public spaces for potentially clandestine purposes. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's agenda and groups seeking to preserve the historic integrity of the presidential residence.

The details

According to Trump, the military is building a large, complex underground structure beneath the new White House ballroom, which is slated to cost around $400 million. The president claimed the underground facility will include bullet-proof glass, drone-proof ceilings, and other security features. Trump said the project was originally meant to be kept secret, but details were exposed due to a lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation challenging the ballroom's construction.

  • In October 2025, construction began on the new White House ballroom.
  • In December 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit to halt construction until environmental reviews and congressional approval were obtained.
  • On March 26, 2026, Trump publicly discussed the secret underground military complex during a Cabinet meeting.
  • On March 29, 2026, Trump revealed more details about the underground project while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who revealed details about the secret military construction project beneath the White House ballroom.

National Trust for Historic Preservation

A nonprofit organization that filed a lawsuit in an attempt to halt construction of the new White House ballroom until environmental reviews and congressional approval were obtained.

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What they’re saying

“The military is building a big complex under the ballroom, which has come out recently because of a stupid lawsuit that was filed. But the military is building a massive complex under the ballroom, and that's under construction, and we're doing very well.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“It is being done with the design, consent, and approval of the highest levels of the United States Military and Secret Service. The mere bringing of this ridiculous lawsuit has already, unfortunately, exposed this heretofore top secret fact.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

What’s next

The federal judge presiding over the National Trust for Historic Preservation's lawsuit is expected to rule on whether to halt construction of the White House ballroom before the end of March 2026.

The takeaway

The revelation of a secret military construction project beneath the White House raises questions about transparency and the use of public spaces for potentially clandestine purposes. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's agenda and efforts to preserve the historic integrity of the presidential residence.