Kamal Ghorui
US military is constructing a massive underground complex beneath a new, privately funded ballroom at the White House. The facility will include a Presidential Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC), a secure command centre that has existed since the second World War.Speaking to reporters on Sunday evening aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed the project, saying, “The military is building a massive complex under the ballroom, that’s under construction.” He added that the new ballroom will have advanced security features, including bulletproof glass and drone-resistant design, and will host international dignitaries as well as major events such as presidential inaugurations.Earlier reports suggested that the existing PEOC had been dismantled during renovations in the East Wing, and a new, modernised facility was being built. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday, “I cannot tell you more about that, actually, as a matter of fact. However, the military is making some upgrades to their facilities here at the White House, and I’m not privy to provide any more details on that at this time.”Trump also spoke about the design of the ballroom, saying it would feature high-end architectural details, including hand-carved Corinthian columns. “They’ll be Corinthian, which is considered the best, most beautiful by far,” he said. Reports indicate that the classified nature of the underground work allowed it to bypass approval by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC).White House official Joshua Fisher told the NCPC that the project would enhance “mission-critical functionality,” improve security, and create “resilient, adaptive infrastructure” for future needs, CNN reported.The NCPC held a review meeting on March 5 to hear presentations on preliminary and final plans for the East Wing Modernisation Project, including input from members of the public. The commission said it would take action on April 2, noting that there would be no public testimony during deliberations.Architects and preservationists have also criticised the design, arguing that the 90,000-square-foot ballroom is too large and would overshadow the 55,000-square-foot White House. The Trump administration has also proposed a separate 33,000-square-foot screening facility for visitors beneath Sherman Park.The National Trust for Historic Preservation has moved court to stop the project, and the case is expected to be heard this week.
