Trump Fortifies White House, Calls Entrance ‘Deplorable’
President Donald Trump used Truth Social on Saturday to attack the White House’s physical condition, calling the front entrance “deplorable” and claiming it reflects the state of the country he inherited from President Biden. Trump’s posts framed his ongoing construction projects as restoration efforts, stating the White House will be returned to “the Glory of 100 years ago” and become “a Symbol of Extraordinary Beauty and Pride.”
Trump’s latest construction initiative involves fortifying the North Portico entrance amid what he describes as security threats from Iranian factions, a project expected to continue through mid-September according to CNN. The Secret Service has long advocated for these fortifications, which include scaffolding and tarping that currently obscure the exterior columns under repair at Trump’s direction.
Trump is simultaneously advancing a 90,000-square-foot ballroom project that he has justified on security grounds, claiming it will include a drone port, sniper perches, and a secure underground bunker. These extensive construction undertakings at the White House represent Trump’s assertion of control over federal property for both structural and security purposes.
Trump’s Saturday posts came after spending part of the day attacking New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan on social media, demonstrating his continued use of the platform for both personal grievances and announcements regarding his building agenda.