Former U.S. President Donald Trump is leveraging a recent security incident at a major Washington event to accelerate construction of a fortified ballroom he envisions at the White House, arguing the facility is critical infrastructure for protecting the nation's leaders.
Following the incident at the Washington Hilton, Trump told Fox News that the 90,000-square-foot ballroom project—designed to replace what once stood as the East Wing—represents a necessary upgrade to presidential security protocols. He emphasized that the structure has been "designed in conjunction with the military and in conjunction with the Secret Service" and includes comprehensive safety features.
"This event would never have happened with the Militarily Top Secret Ballroom currently under construction at the White House. It cannot be built fast enough!" Trump posted on social media Sunday.
Legal Battle Intensifies
The ballroom project has faced sustained legal opposition. A federal judge previously blocked construction, ruling that Trump exceeded his authority by proceeding without congressional approval. However, a federal appeals court allowed work to continue on April 17 while litigation continues.
The Justice Department is now stepping in, sending a letter to the National Trust for Historic Preservation—the primary plaintiff challenging the project—urging the organization to withdraw its lawsuit. The letter asserts that "the White House ballroom will ensure the safety and security of the president for decades to come and prevent future assassination attempts."
Senator Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, announced he will introduce legislation Monday authorizing the ballroom and appropriating federal funding. "Some people saw it as a vanity project," Graham told NBC News. "I don't think that's true anymore. The president's first concern is security for future presidents."
Questions About Scope and Purpose
The project encompasses more than event space. Underground medical facilities and a bomb shelter are also part of the comprehensive security infrastructure being proposed.
The White House Correspondents' Association, which hosts the annual dinner where the recent security concern occurred, has not committed to using the new ballroom if constructed. The proposed facility would accommodate roughly 1,000 guests compared to the current venue's 3,000-person capacity—a reduction that could impact fundraising efforts supporting journalism scholarships.
"We will be meeting to assess what happened and determine how to proceed," the WHCA board stated Sunday.
This story is based on reporting from NBC News. Read the full original report at nbcnews.com.