US President Donald Trump surprised reporters on Tuesday morning when he was seen walking along the roof of the White House, directly above the press briefing room, joking that he was “just taking a little walk” — before laughingly adding that he was scouting a spot to install “nuclear missiles.”
The president, known for his interest in real estate and renovations, was accompanied by a small group, including James McCrery, the architect behind the newly announced $200 million privately funded East Wing ballroom project, reported WCNC News. The group moved slowly as Trump frequently gestured and pointed at the rooftop and the grounds below.
Trump, gesturing as if envisioning a circular structure, was asked what he planned to build. He quipped, “nuclear missiles,” chuckled, and mimicked a projectile with his hand.
At one point, he shouted toward reporters, “Anything I do is financed by me!” He also remarked that he was exploring “another way to spend my money for this country.”
While the president was walking on the west side of the White House, above the press briefing room and not the East Wing, he appeared to be inspecting ongoing or potential construction projects. He did not respond to questions about whether he plans to add another floor to the West Wing to accommodate staff or press.
Trump has completed several renovation projects during his term and has proposed more. The $200 million ballroom is among his highest-profile plans, which he hopes to finish before leaving office.
He may also have been checking out the recently renovated Rose Garden, located directly below the West Wing roof. The redesign included a concrete floor, aimed at making it easier for women in heels to walk without sinking into the ground, according to WCNC News.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has regularly toured the White House grounds to speak with construction crews and observe projects firsthand. Past additions include two 100-foot flagpoles, one on the North Lawn and one on the South Lawn, each flying large American flags. He also redecorated the Oval Office with gold plating on the ceiling, fireplace, and floor.
The president, known for his interest in real estate and renovations, was accompanied by a small group, including James McCrery, the architect behind the newly announced $200 million privately funded East Wing ballroom project, reported WCNC News. The group moved slowly as Trump frequently gestured and pointed at the rooftop and the grounds below.
Trump, gesturing as if envisioning a circular structure, was asked what he planned to build. He quipped, “nuclear missiles,” chuckled, and mimicked a projectile with his hand.
🚨 LMAO! “Mr. President! What are you looking to build?!”
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 5, 2025
“NUCLEAR MISSILES!”
*missile hand motion* 🤣
I freaking love Rooftop Trump
pic.twitter.com/gJzxfGGN2v
At one point, he shouted toward reporters, “Anything I do is financed by me!” He also remarked that he was exploring “another way to spend my money for this country.”
While the president was walking on the west side of the White House, above the press briefing room and not the East Wing, he appeared to be inspecting ongoing or potential construction projects. He did not respond to questions about whether he plans to add another floor to the West Wing to accommodate staff or press.
Trump has completed several renovation projects during his term and has proposed more. The $200 million ballroom is among his highest-profile plans, which he hopes to finish before leaving office.
He may also have been checking out the recently renovated Rose Garden, located directly below the West Wing roof. The redesign included a concrete floor, aimed at making it easier for women in heels to walk without sinking into the ground, according to WCNC News.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has regularly toured the White House grounds to speak with construction crews and observe projects firsthand. Past additions include two 100-foot flagpoles, one on the North Lawn and one on the South Lawn, each flying large American flags. He also redecorated the Oval Office with gold plating on the ceiling, fireplace, and floor.
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