Trump says ‘military wanted’ White House ballroom: ‘That was supposed to be secret’

The Hill
by Judy Kurtz
March 26, 2026
3 min read

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Trump publicly disclosed a classified military component of White House ballroom construction he said should have remained secret.

AI Summary

President Trump disclosed Thursday that construction of a White House ballroom involves a classified national security component that he said was meant to remain confidential. During a Cabinet meeting, Trump stated the military supported the ballroom project more than other parties involved, suggesting defense or operational considerations underpin the renovation work. Trump's public acknowledgment of what he characterized as secret military involvement raises questions about why he chose to reveal details he indicated should have remained undisclosed. The ballroom project appears to involve coordination between the White House and Pentagon, though the specific national security rationale remains unclear from Trump's comments.

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