Drone Port, And 'Top Secret' Military Facilities: How Trump's Ballroom Project Doubled In Size, Cost

Key points

• Drone Port, And 'Top Secret' Military Facilities: How Trump's Ballroom Project Doubled In Size, Cost Published By, Last Updated: June 05, 2026, 15:26 IST President Trump had initially affirmed that the project cost would not be borne by U.S. taxpayers US President Donald Trump.
• (AFP file photo) The ballroom project plan at the White House has seen dramatic expansions in terms of size and cost over the past year.
• Announced by President Donald Trump in July 2025, it was originally projected to cost USD 200 million, with the estimated expenses now expected to bear USD 400 million.
• According to a report by BBC News, the proposals have now grown to feature a rooftop “drone port", an underground hospital and “top secret" military facilities — elements that have added to the estimate price.
• President Trump had initially affirmed that the project cost would not be borne by U.S. taxpayers.