Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 1: US President Donald Trump has offered a new justification for his controversial plan to construct a massive ballroom and underground bunker complex beneath the East Wing of the White House, saying the project will include a sophisticated rooftop drone facility aimed at protecting the nation's capital from emerging security threats.
In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the proposed "DronePort" would be among the most advanced in the world and was necessary to safeguard Washington, DC, for future generations.
“With the advent of highly sophisticated, and powerful, modern day weaponry, we can no longer defend Washington, D.C., with rifles and pistols, alone,” Trump wrote.
The President also criticised US District Judge Richard Leon, accusing him of jeopardising national security by allowing a legal challenge against the project to proceed.
“Judge Richard Leon should stop playing games with America’s Security. If anything happens, he will be held responsible for the Death and Destruction caused to our Country,” Trump said.
Leon, who was appointed by former US President George W. Bush, ruled in March that Trump lacked the legal authority to proceed with the construction without explicit approval from Congress. The judge issued an injunction halting above-ground construction of the planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom, although an appeals court later stayed the order, allowing work to continue while legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Trump also accused Leon of permitting the release of what he described as "Top Secret" information in an amended lawsuit filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The White House has long maintained strict secrecy around security measures introduced after the September 11 attacks. However, Trump's post included detailed renderings depicting drones operating from a large rooftop facility envisioned as part of the project.
The disclosure has drawn criticism from security experts.
Larry Pfeiffer, a former senior CIA official and former director of the White House Situation Room, questioned the decision to publicly reveal details of potential White House defensive capabilities.
“Why in the world is Trump advertising White House defensive capabilities? This only helps adversaries develop countermeasures. The work to preserve our government requires secrecy and seriousness,” Pfeiffer said.
Another former national security official, Javed Ali, said developing counter-drone capabilities for presidential protection made sense but raised questions about implementation.
He noted that issues such as testing, operational control, rules of engagement and deployment protocols would need to be carefully addressed before such a system could become operational.
The project, initially promoted as a ballroom to host state dinners, receptions and major events, has gradually evolved into a much larger undertaking.
According to Trump, the complex will include hardened security facilities, bomb shelters, military medical infrastructure, research facilities, blast-resistant construction and enhanced protection measures for US presidents and visiting dignitaries.
The project has faced sustained opposition from preservation groups and legal challenges. In December, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit seeking to halt construction, arguing that the project bypassed mandatory review processes, lacked a sufficient environmental assessment and had not received congressional approval.
Trump has rejected those claims, maintaining that presidents possess broad authority to modify and enhance White House facilities.
In a recent interview with his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, Trump provided further details about the project, saying he hoped to hold the next presidential inauguration in the new facility.
During the interview, Lara Trump remarked that the structure extended six levels underground, referring to the expansive bunker component. Trump did not directly comment on the depth but discussed features including drone facilities, sniper positions and extensive security infrastructure.
“I would say it will be the greatest facility of its kind ever built by far. There'll never be anything like it,” Trump said.
He added that the project remained ahead of schedule and within budget, although reports indicate costs have increased significantly as the scope of the development has expanded.
Trump also said that both the military and the Secret Service were involved in the project, describing it as “the most secure facility ever built.”
The proposal continues to face legal scrutiny and public debate, with critics questioning its scale, cost and necessity, while supporters argue that evolving security threats require enhanced protection measures for the White House and future US presidents.