President Donald Trump was seen on the roof of the White House Tuesday with a small entourage, raising questions about why he would pull such a stunt.
On Tuesday, the 47th president made a surprise appearance by climbing onto the roof of the White House briefing room to inspect the site of the newly announced $200 million East Wing ballroom addition and renovation.
Reporters at the White House received word around 9:40 a.m. that Trump might make an appearance. After an hour of heightened security preparations—including the unusual deployment of counter-snipers atop the West Wing—Trump emerged at 10:45 a.m. from a door connecting the State Dining Room to the rooftop overlook.
Accompanied by architect James McCrery—who has been commissioned to design what Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt last week called “a much-needed and exquisite addition,” featuring “innately designed and carefully crafted space”—Trump paced the rooftop, surveying the planned location of the 90,000-square-foot ballroom that will adjoin the East Wing. He also appeared to glance toward the roof of the West Wing during the visit.
When one media outlet asked, “Sir, why are you up on the roof?” Trump quipped that he was “taking a little walk” and mentioned the “ballroom on the other side.” In response to a question from another reporter later on about what he was building, Trump responded, Missiles…nuclear…nuclear missiles” – before making a missile launch gesture.
As to the ballroom, Trump added: “Just another way to spend my money for this country. Anything I do is financed by me.”
PLAY:
Nuclear MISSILES?!
President Trump is asked what he's building on the White House roof – his hilarious response catches everyone by surprise!
Trump: "Missiles… nuclear… nuclear missiles."
Reporter #1: "You say more missiles?!"
Reporter #2: "Did he say missiles?!" pic.twitter.com/aZfAxTJHmb
— USA Features Media (@UsaFeatures) August 5, 2025
