Overview
- Trump said the project is under budget and ahead of schedule, describing bulletproof glass and a roof he called "drone-free."
- The estimated price has risen to about $400 million from an initial $200 million, with the White House asserting all costs will be covered by private funding.
- The East Wing was demolished in late October to make way for the new venue as construction continues on the White House grounds.
- Preservationists led by the National Trust are suing to halt work, citing the Administrative Procedure Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, while the White House says the president has full authority to modernize the residence.
- Trump said the space could host inaugurations, yet the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies oversees ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol and has not issued any statement on the claim.