Donald Trump is once again pointing to security concerns as a major reason for pushing forward with his proposed White House ballroom project.
After the shooting near the White House on Saturday, May 23, the 79-year-old president renewed calls to complete the long-discussed ballroom, planned for the location where the East Wing was previously demolished.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the suspected gunman, identified as 21-year-old Nasire Best, allegedly approached the White House complex and opened fire, injuring two individuals before being fatally shot by Secret Service agents. A spokesperson later confirmed that President Trump was inside the White House during the incident but was unharmed.
Following the shooting, Donald Trump shared a post on Truth Social praising Secret Service and law enforcement officials for their rapid response. He also argued that the incident highlighted the urgent need for a highly secure event space at the White House.
In his statement, Trump described the ballroom as a necessary security measure for future presidents, claiming that “the national security of our country demands it.” He also referenced another recent shooting connected to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, using both incidents to strengthen his case for the project.
Trump has repeatedly promoted the proposed ballroom as an ultra-secure, state-of-the-art venue. Earlier this month, he described the planned 90,000-square-foot structure—now estimated to cost around $400 million—as “the most beautiful ballroom anywhere in the world.” He also emphasized its security features, including specially designed thick reinforced glass intended to provide maximum protection while maintaining visibility.
The ballroom project originally began after the East Wing was demolished in October 2025, though construction has since faced delays and legal challenges. Despite earlier claims that the project would be funded privately through donations from Trump and corporate contributors, Senate Republicans are reportedly considering an additional $1 billion in security-related funding tied to the development.
At the same time, lawmakers have encountered procedural complications while attempting to move forward with a broader $72 billion funding package involving agencies such as ICE and Customs and Border Protection.
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