Trump says dinner shooting justifies White House ballroom: ‘Cannot be built fast enough’

Published April 26, 2026 10:13am ET | Updated April 26, 2026 10:13am ET



President Donald Trump on Sunday said “nothing” should be allowed to interfere with the construction of his White House ballroom, arguing that Saturday night’s shooting at the dinner would “never” have happened at the planned venue.

The ballroom, which will include a military bunker as part of its national security enhancements, has been under construction for months but has faced legal hurdles, including over arguments that it requires congressional signoff. Trump said the lawsuit against the ballroom must be dropped “immediately” in lieu of the shooting at White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Saturday evening, which he attended. Authorities believe the shooter was targeting members of the Trump administration, including the president.

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