Trump invokes national security to push White House ballroom 'drone port' project
President Donald Trump criticized a federal judge's injunction halting aboveground construction of a $400 million White House ballroom, arguing national security justifies the project. The facility includes a rooftop drone port, missile-proof roofing, and a military hospital, funded by Trump and donors. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued, citing lack of congressional authorization. The Justice Department cites three recent security incidents, including a May 23 shooting, to urge completion. A federal appeals court paused the injunction, allowing work to resume.
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Trump invokes national security in push for White House ballroom ‘drone port’
President Donald Trump on Sunday attacked a federal judge's injunction halting aboveground construction of the White House ballroom, arguing the project is vital for national security. In a Truth Social post, Trump warned the judge would be responsible for 'Death and Destruction' if an attack occurred. The $400 million project, funded by Trump and donors, includes a military hospital, missile-proof roofing, and a 'drone port' for an unlimited number of drones. The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit in December to block the project, arguing it lacks congressional authorization. Trump cited three recent security incidents near the White House, including a May 23 shooting where a gunman was killed by Secret Service, to justify the need for enhanced defenses. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche filed a court filing urging completion, calling it 'urgent' for presidential security.
Military TimesTrump invokes national security in push for White House ballroom ‘drone port’
President Donald Trump on Sunday criticized a federal judge's injunction halting aboveground construction of the White House ballroom, arguing that national security requires the project's completion. The $400 million project, funded by Trump and donors, includes a military hospital, missile-proof roofing, and a 'drone port' for an unlimited number of drones. Trump claimed that modern weaponry makes traditional defenses insufficient. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to block the project, citing lack of congressional authorization. Three recent security incidents near the White House, including a May 23 shooting while Trump was inside, have heightened urgency. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche filed a court brief emphasizing the need for state-of-the-art security to protect the president.
Marine Corps TimesTrump invokes national security in push for White House ballroom ‘drone port’
President Donald Trump on Sunday criticized a federal judge's injunction halting aboveground construction of the White House ballroom, arguing the project is vital for national security. The $400 million project, which includes a 'drone port' for military-style drones, missile-proof roofing, and a military hospital, faces a lawsuit from the National Trust for Historic Preservation claiming it lacks congressional authorization. Trump posted AI-generated renderings of drones on the rooftop, stating that modern weaponry requires advanced defenses beyond 'rifles and pistols.' The Justice Department, led by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, argues the project is urgent following three recent security incidents near the White House, including a May 23 shooting where a gunman was killed by Secret Service. A federal appeals court has paused the injunction, allowing work to resume pending further review.
Navy TimesTrump invokes national security in push for White House ballroom ‘drone port’
President Donald Trump on Sunday criticized a federal judge's injunction halting aboveground construction of the White House ballroom, invoking national security to justify the $400 million project. The project, funded by Trump and donors, includes a military hospital, missile-proof roofing, and a 'drone port' for an unlimited number of drones. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to block construction, arguing it lacks congressional authorization. Trump's post featured AI-generated renderings of drones and snipers. The urgency is underscored by three recent security incidents near the White House, including a May 23 shooting while Trump was inside. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche filed a court brief emphasizing the need for state-of-the-art security to protect the president.
Marine Corps TimesTrump invokes national security in push for White House ballroom ‘drone port’
President Donald Trump on Sunday criticized a federal judge's injunction halting aboveground construction of the White House ballroom, arguing the project is vital for national security. In a Truth Social post, Trump warned the judge would be responsible for 'Death and Destruction' if anything happened. The $400 million project, opposed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, includes a 'drone port' on the roof, missile-proof roofing, and a military hospital. Trump claimed the facility would be funded by his own money and donors. The Justice Department, led by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, filed an urgent request to complete the ballroom, citing three recent security incidents near the White House, including a May 23 shooting while Trump was inside. The legal dispute remains under review by a federal appeals court.
Navy TimesTrump invokes national security in push for White House ballroom ‘drone port’
President Donald Trump on Sunday criticized a federal judge's injunction halting aboveground construction of the White House ballroom, emphasizing enhanced security features including a rooftop 'drone port.' In a Truth Social post, Trump warned Judge Richard Leon would be responsible for 'Death and Destruction' if anything happened. The $400 million project, funded by Trump and donors, includes a military hospital, missile-proof roofing, and an 'unlimited number of drones.' The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit in December to block the project, arguing it requires congressional authorization. The Justice Department, led by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, argues the ballroom is 'urgent' for security, citing three recent gunfire incidents near the White House, including a May 23 shooting while Trump was inside. The legal dispute continues as a federal appeals court paused the injunction, allowing work to resume pending further review.
Air Force TimesTrump invokes national security in push for White House ballroom ‘drone port’
President Donald Trump on Sunday criticized a federal judge's injunction halting aboveground construction of the White House ballroom, arguing the project is essential for national security. In a Truth Social post, Trump warned the judge would be responsible for 'Death and Destruction' if anything happened. The $400 million project, opposed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, includes a 'drone port' on the roof, a military hospital, and missile-proof roofing. Trump claimed the facility would be funded by his own money and donors. The Justice Department, citing three recent security incidents near the White House—including a May 23 shooting while Trump was inside—argues completion is urgent. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche filed a court motion emphasizing the need for state-of-the-art security to protect the president.
Military TimesTrump invokes national security in push for White House ballroom ‘drone port’
President Donald Trump on Sunday criticized a federal judge's injunction halting aboveground construction of the White House ballroom, arguing the project is vital for national security. Trump posted on Truth Social that modern weaponry means Washington can no longer be defended with 'rifles and pistols alone.' The $400 million project, funded by Trump and donors, includes a military hospital, missile-proof roofing, and a rooftop 'drone port' for an unlimited number of drones. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to block construction, arguing it lacks congressional authorization. The Justice Department, citing three recent security incidents near the White House—including a May 23 shooting while Trump was inside—urges the court to allow completion. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the ballroom is needed to ensure the president can perform his duties in a safe facility.
Air Force Times