Wants to make his state banquets bulletproof: US President Donald Trump.Image: keystone
July 6, 2026, 9:31 p.mJuly 6, 2026, 9:31 p.m
US President Donald Trump has once again defended his controversial plans for a new ballroom in the White House, emphasizing security aspects in particular. At an event at the White House, Trump said the new building would be “bulletproof,” “drone-proof,” and in many cases even “missile-proof.” Particularly durable steel and glass structures are planned, as well as a landing pad for drones on the roof.
The construction of the new ballroom in the White House can be seen from the Washington Monument on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.Image: keystone
Trump described the new ballroom as a “great service” for national security. The hall has been under construction since autumn 2025 on the site of the former east wing of the White House. According to the White House, the expansion, which is several thousand square meters in size, will enable significantly larger state banquets in the future than the building previously used.
The project is highly controversial because of its costs, the procurement process and interference with the historic ensemble of the White House and has been the subject of several legal proceedings. Trump complained that people complain about every little thing these days – the size of the hall or the color of the ceiling. Especially if your name is Trump, you will be sued. (sda/dpa)