During a recent statement on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump suggested that the shooting incident that occurred on April 25 at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner could have been avoided if a proposed ballroom had been constructed at the White House. He emphasized that a secure and large ballroom would enhance safety measures at the presidential residence.
Trump’s remarks followed a shooting incident at the event, which took place at a hotel in Washington, D.C. He argued that for the past 150 years, U.S. military officials, the Secret Service, and every president have advocated for the establishment of a secure ballroom within the White House grounds.
“This incident would never have happened if the highly classified ballroom, currently under construction at the White House, had already been completed. Although it is beautiful, it has the highest levels of security, and there are no rooms above that could allow unauthorized individuals to enter,” Trump stated.
In his comments, Trump referred to a lawsuit aimed at halting the ballroom’s construction as “absurd.” He asserted that nothing should obstruct the building process, which he claimed is proceeding within budget and ahead of schedule.
The controversy surrounding the ballroom project intensified after the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit against the White House in late 2025, seeking to stop the construction. The estimated cost of the ballroom has escalated significantly, from an initial $200 million to Trump’s latest estimate of $400 million. Initially, Trump had assured that the project would not interfere with the existing structure, but he later demolished the entire east wing.
On April 1, a U.S. court mandated a halt to the ballroom’s construction. However, shortly thereafter, a federal planning commission approved Trump’s plans, indicating that the court’s decision to pause construction would not affect the review process.
Donald Trump has linked a recent shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner to the ongoing construction of a ballroom at the White House, arguing that its completion would enhance security. Despite legal challenges and rising costs, Trump maintains that the project is essential for safety.