President Donald Trump has unveiled a mock-up image of a “drone port” set to be installed atop the White House ballroom roof.
Trump has pledged that his prized ballroom will accommodate the port as part of numerous military applications for the new structure.
While addressing reporters last week, the president declared, “On top of the roof, we’re going to have the greatest drone empire you’ve ever seen.
“The entire roof is developed for military,” Trump continued. “Not only is it drone-proof – if a drone hits it, it bounces off, it won’t have any impact – but it’s also meant as a drone port so it protects all of Washington.”
Trump outlined that the new building’s elevation provides a “very clear view of everything all over Washington,” noting it will additionally house a military hospital and research facility.
“The ballroom is really a shield, protecting all of the things that are built here,” he stated.
Trump abruptly and controversially razed the historic East Wing of the White House in October 2025 to clear space for the new structure, which will accommodate dinners and major events that previously required tents on the White House lawn.
Last week, Trump characterised the ballroom as a “gift” he had personally funded, given that taxpayer money wasn’t utilised for the project.
The ballroom has been financed through donations from major corporations, foundations, and affluent individuals. Senate Republicans are also seeking to secure $1 billion in public funds for “above-ground and below-ground security features” as part of a broader immigration-enforcement funding bill security features” as part of a broader funding bill for immigration enforcement.
“Trump said, ‘Not one penny is being used from the federal government’ to fund his ballroom boondoggle. True, in the sense that $1 billion is a lot more than one penny!” Jamie Raskin, a Democratic representative, wrote on X.
Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate’s independent parliamentarian, called the proposed $1 billion security funding something that couldn’t be included in the immigration enforcement bill as drafted.