- President Trump stated the U.S. military is "very much involved" in the construction of a $400 million ballroom at the White House, claiming they "wanted it more than anybody."
- The project necessitated the demolition of the historic East Wing, a decision that generated considerable backlash from lawmakers and officials.
- Trump maintained the ballroom would be financed by "rich people" and not taxpayer funds, with a donor list featuring major tech companies.
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to stop construction, but the White House countered that halting it would "endanger national security."
- The administration cited a "classified declaration" concerning the Presidential Emergency Operations Center, located beneath the East Wing, as a reason for the demolition.
IN FULL