In a striking and unprecedented moment, President Donald Trump made a rare appearance on the West Wing roof of the White House on Tuesday, drawing attention from journalists and onlookers alike.
According to the Daily Mail, on Tuesday, President Trump ventured onto the West Wing roof, an area not historically accessed by past presidents, and hinted at ambitious renovation plans for the White House, including a new ballroom in the East Wing and potential additions to the roof itself.
This unusual event took place atop the single-story section of the West Wing, which shelters the Palm Room and the press briefing room. This part of the building overlooks the recently updated Rose Garden, a project nearing its completion under Trump's direction. As he stood on the roof with an entourage by his side, journalists below were quick to question his presence.
"Sir, why are you on the roof?" called out an unidentified journalist. Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy also shouted, "Mr. President, what are you doing up there?" Trump responded casually, saying, "Taking a little walk."
During his time on the roof, Trump hinted at future changes to the iconic residence, gesturing with his hands in a dome-like shape as he suggested adding something atop the West Wing. Though he jokingly mentioned "nuclear missiles" as a possibility for the roof addition, no concrete details were provided. His appearance marked a historic moment, as there are no records of any previous president stepping onto this part of the White House.
Trump also spoke of a significant renovation on the other side of the residence, revealing plans for a new ballroom in the East Wing. This area currently houses the offices of First Lady Melania Trump and will undergo a major expansion. The ballroom project will add 90,000 square feet to the East Wing, with construction slated to begin in September.
The estimated cost for this ambitious East Wing construction is around $200 million. Trump emphasized his personal financial involvement, stating, "Something beautiful. More ways to spend my money. We'll show you." He added, "It's just another way to spend my money for the country."
Addressing concerns about funding, Trump clarified, "Anything I do is financed by me so you don't have to worry, it's contributed." He also noted, "Just like my salary is contributed but nobody ever mentions that." The remainder of the ballroom project's cost will reportedly be covered by donors, though specific names were not disclosed.
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the ballroom project has been approved to proceed. This announcement solidified the timeline for the East Wing construction, marking a significant update to the White House's layout. The project is expected to transform the residence's functionality for future events and gatherings.
Meanwhile, Trump's changes to the nearby Rose Garden are almost complete, showcasing another aspect of his vision for the White House grounds. The garden's grassy center has been replaced with a patio-like surface made of white stone, chosen to match the color of the White House itself. Trump commented on the material, saying, "And it's a beautiful white stone and it's a stone that's the same color as the White House itself."
He further explained, "And because it's very white it's going to reflect the heat and it's not going to be very hot." The patio includes a drainage system designed to resemble the American flag, with the presidential seal stamped in its corners. These symbolic touches reflect a patriotic theme in the garden's redesign.
Trump elaborated on the necessity of the update, stating, "When we had a press conference you'd sink into the mud. It was grass and it was very wet, always wet and damp and wet." He continued, "And if it rained it would take three, four, five days to dry out and we couldn't use it really for the intended purpose." The new design aims to resolve these practical issues, ensuring the space is more usable for official functions.
Trump expressed satisfaction with the feedback on the garden project, telling the Daily Mail on Sunday, "Great reviews." He reiterated, "Yeah, we're getting great reviews of the Rose Garden and we had to do it." The renovation has been well-received, adding to the list of visible changes under his administration.
Since taking office in January, Trump has also introduced other patriotic elements to the White House campus. Two large American flags now stand prominently, one on the North Lawn and another on the South Lawn. These additions, alongside the Rose Garden updates, underscore a theme of national pride in the ongoing modifications.