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It's going to be beautiful. It was a great concept that never worked because they couldn't hold the water. Now they hold the water for a tiny fraction of the cost. I We did a fantastic job. So, the new reflecting pool, as you just heard there at the National Mall, not the only thing though in DC getting a makeover. President Trump posting images of what he wants to work as a drone port on top of his proposed White House ballroom. Let's go to Morgan Stevens with the fact team. So, this was a new post. I was reading about it. uh happened over the weekend. Tell us more about what you were able to dig up. What do we know about this proposed project?
Yeah, there's a lot of questions, but the president's latest proposal came from a truth social post Sunday. As you see here, it's an AI generated concept he's included. He's recommending the White House East Ballroom project would be more than just a venue for state dinners or events. It would include a rooftop drone port to help defend Washington from drone threats. The administration argues the entire project includes national security features, including a hardened roof, fortified structures, and underground facilities. And we're not just talking about a fight about architecture. This has been uh a long fight over facing legal challenges, the that ballroom. Tell us more.
Oh, yes. The project has really been tied up in the courts uh for a long time. Historic Preservations Group sued, arguing the president doesn't have the authority to make such a major change to the White House complex without congressional approval. A federal judge agreed enough to halt most above ground construction while allowing certain underground security work to continue. The judge said national security is not a blank check for the entire project. Meanwhile, there's also a fight over the money. Trump has said the $400 million ballroom itself would be paid for with private donations, but the
administration has also saw additional federal funding for security upgrades associ associated with the project. Yeah. And following the White House correspondents dinner shooting, you know, that just bringing the to the forefront the security need here. But again, to your point, presidential power in question. In a few minutes, Morgan will join us to discuss whether a president can build a massive monument in Washington without Congress.
