On August 7, a U.S. appeals court barred Donald Trump from constructing a ballroom at the White House without Congressional approval, halting work for two weeks. The President has challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court, but his position could be undermined by the existence of a secret shelter beneath the residence—built during the Obama administration—according to The Washington Post (WP).
Citing former officials, the newspaper reports the existence of a heavily fortified underground bunker capable of withstanding a nuclear strike and housing dozens of people for several weeks. Located more than 18 meters underground, the facility had been kept secret even from many U.S. government employees. Meanwhile, the Trump administration—justifying the new construction by citing the lack of a secure space—concealed the fact that the shelter already existed.
In contrast to the classified bunker, work on the ballroom was widely publicized, with the President regularly discussing details of the project. After taking office, Donald Trump initiated a major renovation of the residence, featuring gold finishes and antiques, and the East Wing was partially demolished to make way for the new hall. Unless the Supreme Court intervenes within the next two weeks, construction will have to be halted.
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