Washington: US President Donald Trump cited a recent shooting incident at a gala dinner in Washington as a key reason for the construction of a controversial new ballroom at the White House. "This event would never have happened with the Militarily Top Secret Ballroom currently under construction at the White House," Trump stated, emphasizing the urgency of its completion.
According to Ghana News Agency, during the Saturday evening event for the capital press in a Washington hotel, a man breached security, prompting shots to be fired. The president was swiftly escorted to safety by armed guards. Trump used this incident to underscore the necessity of the new ballroom, arguing that past presidents have consistently sought such a facility over the last 150 years.
The construction of the new ballroom has not been without controversy. The project involved demolishing the White House's historic East Wing, sparking protests from citizens and preservationists. A lawsuit from historic preservationists temporarily halted the construction a few weeks ago. However, following an appeals court decision in mid-April, construction is allowed to proceed while the legal battle continues.
Trump further elaborated on the ballroom's security advantages, stating it incorporates the highest level of security features and eliminates vulnerabilities such as unsecured entry points. He described the ballroom's location within the confines of the White House as an essential aspect of its security measures.