Trump administration reveals national-security plans to justify White House ballroom construction
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 29
Trump administration reveals national-security plans to justify White House ballroom construction
10 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 29
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll detailed how a new underground bomb shelter would withstand a drone strike, arguing evacuation is tactically flawed and the ballroom is vital for integrated security.
The administration’s unusually specific court filing surprised national-security experts, with some warning the disclosures could aid adversaries. Legal challenges continue, with construction allowed pending a June appeals court hearing.
The ballroom, part of a 90,000-square-foot East Wing project, is funded by private donations. The administration cited a recent security incident at a hotel ballroom as further justification for the project’s urgency.
Did revealing the bunker's secrets make the President safer or more vulnerable?
Can private donations legally fund a top-secret national security facility?
Who is funding the $400 million White House expansion and why is it secret?
How does the new White House bunker compare to other world leaders' command centers?
How will a 90,000 sq-ft complex change the White House's historic identity?
Is a fortified White House a strategic necessity or a high-value target?