Trump unveils ‘drone-proof’ White House ballroom

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump described the new White House ballroom project as a “drone-proof” military-grade structure designed to protect the presidential complex, saying it would become “one of the most beautiful buildings” in Washington.

During an extensive walkthrough of the construction site with reporters, Trump said the ballroom was being funded by himself and private donors and would serve both ceremonial and national security purposes.

“This is a gift to the United States of America,” Trump said. “And more than a gift, it's going to be one of the most beautiful buildings that's ever been built in the country or in Washington, DC.”

Trump said the structure would include a reinforced roof capable of supporting military operations and advanced drone systems. “It’s drone proof,” he said. “And it’s meant for our military to be able to stay on it.”

He added that the roof would function as what he called a “drone port”.

“We call it a drone port; it's set up for unlimited numbers of drones,” Trump said.

According to Trump, the ballroom complex has been integrated with underground security infrastructure extending several stories below ground level.

“This goes down six stories deep,” he said while pointing toward the construction site. “They’re building a hospital. They’re building all sorts of research facilities.”

Trump repeatedly stressed that the ballroom itself would act as a protective shield for the underground facilities and military infrastructure.

“The ballroom becomes a shield for everything that you see right here,” he said. “Without that shield over the top of it, it's a shield that will totally protect what's downstairs.”

The President also described the building materials in detail, saying the structure would include “impenetrable steel” and four-inch-thick reinforced glass.

“The glass is approximately four inches thick,” Trump said. “And it can stop just about anything.”

He said all air conditioning and ventilation systems had been moved inside the structure for security reasons.