• The White House is constructing a new ballroom atop a “massive” underground military complex.
• The project includes advanced security features and is expected to accommodate 1,000 guests.
• Criticism has arisen regarding the demolition of the old East Wing and the project's scale and aesthetics.

The US military has initiated upgrades for the new White House ballroom, which will be built over a fortified complex. President Donald Trump highlighted the ballroom's significance during a recent press briefing, declaring it a necessary installment atop this "massive" military infrastructure, which is currently under construction. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed that improvements are underway, though specifics were not disclosed, according to SCMP and Channel News Asia.

The proposed ballroom will span approximately 8,360 square meters (90,000 sq ft) and aim to replace the demolished East Wing. Trump revealed that the new structure will feature extensive security enhancements, such as "bulletproof glass" and a "drone-proof roof" designed to protect against various threats. Critics have voiced concerns over the aesthetics and historical integrity of the project, which is set to accommodate major events, including presidential inaugurations, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.

Opposition has emerged regarding the decision to demolish the original East Wing without adequate public consultation or federal review. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a lawsuit to halt the project, which some architects believe could overshadow the historical White House with its size. Furthermore, the underground components of the facility have purportedly allowed it to bypass necessary approvals from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), according to Channel News Asia, India Times, and SCMP.