An underground complex is being built beneath Trump's ballroom — NYT
Although attention has focused on the above-ground portion of Donald Trump’s project—a $400 million ballroom—the underground component of the facility is far more complex and expensive. For several weeks now, workers have been dismantling the old Presidential Emergency Operations Center to build a larger and more modern facility in its place.
The New York Times reports on this.
The original bunker was built during World War II to protect the nation’s leadership. It was here that Vice President Dick Cheney and President George W. Bush were located during the attacks of September 11, 2001, and Donald Trump took refuge there during the 2020 protests. The facility was located beneath the East Wing of the White House, which Trump demolished last year to make way for the construction of the hall.
Due to legal disputes over the construction, Trump began discussing the bunker’s details more openly, arguing that the project was necessary for national security. According to him, the underground section is a “massive military complex” that will include:
- a medical center with state-of-the-art equipment;
- bomb shelters for long-term occupancy;
- the latest secure communication systems and biological weapon filtration;
- the ballroom itself, spanning over 8,000 square meters, will serve as a protective dome made of bulletproof glass, designed to shield the underground facility from drone or firearm attacks.
Federal District Court Judge Richard J. Leon halted the Secret Service project, stating that it requires congressional approval. However, Trump insists on continuing the work, citing a clause in the court ruling that permits construction necessary for the security of the White House.
The U.S. Secret Service has twice filed documents in support of completing the facility. Deputy Director Matthew K. Quinn emphasized that any pause in construction leaves the contractor with unfulfilled security obligations, which puts the president’s life at risk.
Despite Trump’s statements, many details remain classified. White House officials, including spokesperson Caroline Levitt, refuse to specify which military units are involved in the construction and what the final cost of the underground work will be. Judge Leon was skeptical of the administration’s arguments, noting that the problem of the “big hole” near the White House was created by the president’s own decisions.
For a year and a half, Trump turned the White House into a construction site because of the ballroom.
The White House has set a condition for discussing the peace plan with the Europeans.
Recall that French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the U.S. “peace plan” for Ukraine requires further refinement and coordination with European partners.
Marco Rubio also stated that the “peace plan” for Ukraine is based on proposals from Russia and Ukraine.
