Trump Links Gala Shooting to Push for $400m White House Ballroom

US President Donald Trump has renewed his push for the construction of a proposed $400 million ballroom at the White House, citing a shooting incident at a Washington gala as justification for the project.

 

Shots were fired on Saturday evening during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, where Trump, senior government officials and journalists were in attendance. Security agents reportedly subdued the gunman before further harm could occur.

 

Reacting in a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump argued that the incident underscored the need for a secure event facility within the White House complex.

 

“What happened last night is exactly the reason that our great Military, Secret Service, Law Enforcement and… every President for the last 150 years have been demanding that a large, safe, and secure Ballroom be built on the grounds of the White House,” he wrote.

 

The president described the proposed ballroom as a high-security venue capable of hosting major events without external risks.

 

“This event would never have happened with the militarily top-secret ballroom currently under construction at the White House. It cannot be built fast enough,” Trump added.

 

The ballroom project, which has been a major focus of Trump’s second term, has drawn criticism over its scale, cost, and reported lack of broad consultation. Legal challenges are also ongoing, particularly following reports that parts of the historic East Wing have already been demolished as part of the plan.