President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended construction of the new White House ballroom as both a historic modernization effort and a major national security enhancement designed to protect future presidents and the nation’s capital.
Standing outside the White House as construction crews continued work on the East Wing expansion, Trump argued the project is far more than an entertainment venue.
“This is a room that’s been wanted for 150 years by presidents,” Trump said during a news conference. “We have no room to have an event. The only way you can have an event is if you build a tent on the lawn.”
Trump pushed back hard against criticism from Democrats and preservation activists who have portrayed the project as extravagant during a period of economic uncertainty.
The president insisted taxpayers are not financing the ballroom construction itself, describing the project as “a gift to the United States of America” funded largely through private donations and his own contributions.
“All of this was paid for by myself,” Trump said. “This is not going to be paid for by the taxpayer.”
Congress is separately weighing funding tied to broader security enhancements connected to the East Wing modernization, including Secret Service infrastructure, anti-drone systems, hardened military-grade defenses, and expanded underground operational space.
Trump described the ballroom as a protective structure covering multiple subterranean security and military facilities extending several stories underground.
“The ballroom becomes a shield for everything that you see right here,” Trump said. “Without that, they couldn’t build the lower floors.”
According to Trump, the new structure will feature 4-inch-thick ballistic glass, reinforced steel walls, sniper positioning capabilities, drone-resistant roofing, and other advanced defensive systems developed alongside the Secret Service and military officials.
“It’s the safest building ever built, in my opinion,” Trump said.
Watch the event below:
FULL EVENT: President Trump Speaks to Press at New Ballroom Construction Site – 05/19/26 pic.twitter.com/g7Uxb3wZQC
— RSBN 🇺🇸 (@RSBNetwork) May 19, 2026
