President Donald Trump is planning to leave a lasting mark on the White House by constructing a new $400 million ballroom with unique and extravagant features that have puzzled lawmakers. During a recent tour of the construction site, Trump boasted that the new ballroom would be one-of-a-kind and unlike any other building. The new ballroom is part of a major renovation project initiated by Trump, which involves replacing the smaller original structure that was demolished last fall.

Trump made eccentric claims about the new building, including a “dead flat” roof made of exceptionally strong steel that would be drone-proof. He stated that the building would also serve as a drone port to safeguard Washington, with military personnel stationed on the roof for added security. The building is planned to extend six stories underground and will house a military hospital, research facilities, offices for Melania, and a ballroom capable of accommodating 1,000 guests. However, the completion is not expected until September 2028, just six months before Trump’s term ends.

Private donors are set to cover the estimated £297.7 million building costs, while Trump has requested $1 billion in taxpayer funding for security expenses. Although Trump justifies the project as a “gift to the US,” a majority of Americans are against it. A recent poll revealed that 56% of 1,292 US adults surveyed opposed the construction, while 28% supported it. Trump argued that the new ballroom would enhance security, citing a recent shooting incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner as an example.

The ballroom project is part of Trump’s efforts to leave a lasting legacy in Washington, particularly ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Other projects include changing the color of the reflecting pool and constructing a Paris-inspired “Arc de Trump.”