Overview

• On August 5, Trump emerged unexpectedly on the West Wing roof, telling reporters he was taking “a little walk” as he paced the building’s exterior.
• He previewed plans for a Mar-a-Lago-style ballroom in the East Wing, emphasizing that “everything I do is financed by me.”
• The $200 million project is scheduled to break ground next month under the direction of architect James McCrery.
• During the rooftop event, Trump jested about stationing “atomic rockets” on the South Lawn, leaving journalists visibly taken aback.
• The stunt underscores his flair for theatrical presidential stagecraft, echoing rare roof appearances by Presidents Carter and Taft.