President Donald Trump said Sunday that construction is underway on a new White House ballroom that will include an extensive underground facility, featuring advanced security measures and financed entirely through private contributions.

Trump explained that the project is intended to address longstanding space limitations at the White House, particularly when hosting large gatherings and foreign dignitaries, noting that current rooms are insufficient for major events.

“The military is building a massive complex under the ballroom, and that’s under construction, and we’re doing very well,” Trump said.

He indicated that work on the subterranean portion is already in progress and is part of a broader security design tied directly to the ballroom above it, giving the structure both functional and protective purposes.

According to Trump, the ballroom itself will incorporate significant protective features, including reinforced construction and safeguards against modern threats such as drones.

“We have all bulletproof glass. We have drone-proof roofs, ceilings,” Trump said. “Everything is drone-proof and bulletproof, and unfortunately, we’re living in an age where that’s a good thing.”

Trump stressed that the project will not use taxpayer funds, saying it is being covered entirely by private donors and his own contributions.

“All of the money paid is paid by myself and donors…it’s all donors,” Trump said. “There’s not one dime of government money going into the ballroom.”

The proposal received approval in February from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which unanimously backed the roughly $400 million plan on a 6-0 vote and moved it forward on an accelerated timeline.

The new structure is being built where the former East Wing once stood, after it was torn down in October, and is expected to greatly increase the White House’s ability to host large-scale functions.

For years, administrations have relied on temporary setups for major events due to limited indoor space, as the old East Wing dining area could accommodate only about 200 people.

Trump said construction is moving at a rapid pace and remains both ahead of schedule and below projected costs as work continues.

“We’re ahead of schedule and under budget,” Trump said.

He added that the ballroom is being designed to align with the White House’s existing architecture in both appearance and scale, describing it as a fitting addition to the historic property.

“I think it’ll be the greatest ballroom anywhere in the world,” Trump said. “It pays total homage to the White House, which is, I think, very important.”

{Matzav.com}