Existing Bunker May Weaken Trump's Case for Ballroom

The Washington Post is out with a story that appears to undercut President Trump's argument in favor of his combo ballroom and military bunker. Trump has increasingly emphasized the bunker aspect of the project, saying the underground component is vital for national security. But the Post reports that the White House complex already has an underground bunker able to withstand a nuclear blast. The US began building the secret bunker after 9/11 and completed the work in the Obama administration, according to the newspaper's three sources.

The Post is keeping key details about the bunker under wraps, but it can reportedly keep the president and dozens of other officials safe for weeks. The revelation complicates the administration's national-security argument as the Supreme Court weighs whether Trump can continue the $600 million East Wing project without congressional sign-off. Lower courts have ordered work paused, with a narrow exception for military-related construction under the ballroom. Last week, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts ruled that work on the ballroom can continue as SCOTUS considers an emergency appeal. The White House has estimated that 65% of the project is already completed.