Trump’s administration cites national security for an East Wing ballroom and other Washington projects; he says a planned arch will house drones and snipers. The National Guard deployment is extended through his term; the Pentagon estimates it will cost another $1.4 billion.
The administration described East Wing demolition as preparation for a large underground military installation. It requested about $400 million in taxpayer funding, despite Trump’s earlier pledge that the project would be privately funded. The Supreme Court’s conservative justices accepted the security argument for immediate construction; Chief Justice John Roberts, joined by the court’s liberals, said it was likely unlawful because Congress had not authorized the construction or its funding.
The Justice Department is defending Trump’s decision to expel reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, arguing their coverage of the ballroom and Iran war could pose a national-security risk; a court hearing was expected Wednesday. The Secret Service has proposed permanent fencing around Lafayette Square and said the Ellipse and Lafayette Square should remain closed through month-end during Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit. Part of the National Mall is closed until 2027 for turf and tree repairs, according to the National Park Service.
