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President says he will appeal injunction on White House ballroom, defends donor-funded security upgrades
Summary
Asked about a court order halting construction of a White House ballroom, the president said he would appeal, described the project as donor-funded, and detailed security features including bulletproof glass, drone-proof roofing and on-site medical facilities; he estimated donor contributions between $300 million and $400 million depending on finishes.
A reporter said a judge had ordered a stop to construction of a White House ballroom; President Trump said he planned to appeal and argued the project is donor-funded and related to the safety and security of the White House grounds. "We're gonna have the finest ballroom... 300 to $400,000,000 depending on finishes," he said, adding that much of the work is being paid for by private donors.
The president defended security elements he described as part of the project: bulletproof and ballistic glass, a "drone proof" roof, secure telecommunications, biodefense measures, a hospital and bomb shelters. He cited language he said was in the judge's opinion allowing construction for "the safety and security of the White House and its grounds," and said he believed that meant the work may continue pending appeals. Reporters asked for the judge's written order and for clarification about whether congressional approval is required; the president asserted congressional approval was not necessary for donor-funded work but did not produce a legal citation during the event.
