Trump Unveils Plans for Underground Military Complex Beneath White House Ballroom

Mar 31, 2026, 2:22 AM

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President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that the US military is constructing a "massive complex" beneath the new White House ballroom, a project that has drawn both interest and controversy. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, "the military is building a massive complex under the ballroom, and that's under construction, and we're doing very well".

The ballroom, which is anticipated to cost around $400 million, is being built on the site of the former East Wing, which was demolished in October. Critics, including Democrats and preservation advocates, have voiced concerns over the project's implications and aesthetics, describing the new ballroom as "appalling," "shameful," and "hideous".

Trump indicated that the ballroom would serve a dual purpose, as it "essentially becomes a shed for what's being built under". He showcased design renderings to reporters, emphasizing that the ballroom would be nearly identical in height to the White House and capable of hosting large dignitary events, including future inaugurations. He asserted, "this is going to be with us for a long time, and it's going to be, I think it'll be the greatest ballroom anywhere in the world".

The president highlighted several security features of the proposed ballroom, including bulletproof glass and drone-proof roofs, stating that these features are necessary in today's security climate. He remarked, "the glass is extremely thick," reinforcing the idea that the ballroom is designed with safety as a priority.

The revelation about the underground military complex came after a "stupid lawsuit" was filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which aimed to halt construction until proper reviews were conducted. Trump claimed that this legal action, filed in December 2025, inadvertently brought the military's plans to public attention, stating, "it was supposed to be secret, but it became un-secret because of people that are really unpatriotic saying things".

A federal judge recently rejected an initial attempt by the preservation group to pause construction, although further rulings are expected soon regarding the ongoing legal challenges. The National Capital Planning Commission is also set to vote on the ballroom plans in April, following a significant amount of public opposition to the project.

Trump has maintained that the ballroom's construction is entirely funded by private donations, insisting that "not one dime of government money" is being used for the project. He has expressed confidence in the ballroom's potential, suggesting it will fulfill a long-standing need for such a venue at the White House, a desire he claims has persisted for "150 years".

As the construction progresses, the administration continues to face mixed reactions, balancing support for modernization with concerns over historical preservation and public input. The fate of the ballroom and underground complex remains uncertain as legal challenges loom, but Trump's administration is pressing forward with the project, emphasizing its importance for future generations.

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