Trump shares militarised White House roof ‘Drone Empire’ images | US | News

President Donald Trump announced the mock-up image of the “drone port” set to be installed on the roof of the White House ballroom.

Trump promised that the valuable ballroom would house the port as part of multiple military applications for the new structure.

Addressing reporters last week, the president said: “We’re going to have the largest rooftop drone empire you’ve ever seen.

“The entire roof was developed for military purposes,” Trump continued. “Not only is it drone-proof (if a drone hits it, it will bounce off and have no impact), but it is also intended to be a drone port, thus protecting all of Washington.”

Trump noted that the new building’s facade provides “a very clear view of everything all over Washington,” and that it will also house a military hospital and research facility.

“The ballroom is really a shield that protects everything that is built here,” he said.

Trump abruptly and controversially razed the historic East Wing of the White House in October 2025, making way for the new structure to accommodate dinners and large events that previously required tents on the White House lawn.

Last week, Trump called the ballroom a “gift” that he personally financed, given that no taxpayer money was used for the project.

The ballroom was financed by donations from large corporations, foundations and wealthy individuals. Senate Republicans are also exploring ways to provide $1 billion in public funding for “above and underground security features” as part of a broader immigration enforcement funding bill.

“Trump said, ‘Not a dime from the federal government is being used’ to fund his ballroom extravaganza. True, in the sense that $1 billion is a lot more than a penny!” Jamie Raskin, a Democratic representative, wrote about X.

Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate’s independent parliamentarian, called the proposed $1 billion in security funding something that could not be included in the draft immigration bill.