President Donald Trump is pushing for a new, fortified ballroom at the White House, arguing it would provide a secure space for himself and future presidents during emergencies.
But the proposal has drawn skepticism from former officials, who point to an existing underground bunker constructed during the Obama administration more than a decade ago. The facility sits more than 60 feet below the White House complex and was built to withstand a nuclear blast. It can house dozens of people for weeks and maintain continuous government operations during extreme national security emergencies.
Trump has not explained why the existing bunker is insufficient for the stated security purpose.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit in December to block the new ballroom project, arguing that its proposed scale and design would compromise the architectural integrity of the White House.
Former officials have echoed that concern, contending that Trump's justification for new construction ignores the robust capabilities already in place.
