President Donald Trump made a surprise trip to a place that is the FIRST EVER for a sitting president: the roof of the White House.
On August 5, President Trump made headlines, and sparked a flurry of questions, when he took an unexpected stroll atop the West Wing’s colonnade.
Reporters gathered below were stunned to see the president waving, pointing, and holding animated conversations with aides and architect Jim McCrery, all while overlooking the South Lawn.
“Just Taking a Little Walk” — With Big Plans in Mind
When asked what he was doing on the roof, Trump shouted back with a smile: “Just taking a little walk.” But it quickly became clear this wasn’t just a sightseeing moment. The president was surveying plans for a bold new addition to the White House grounds: A 90,000-square-foot ballroom that he announced last week.
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) August 5, 2025
“It goes with the ballroom, which is on the other side,” he explained, before adding: “Something beautiful.”
According to Trump, the massive ballroom project, estimated at $200 million, will be funded entirely through his own contributions and private donations. “Anything I do is financed by me,” he told reporters. “Just like my salary is contributed. But nobody ever mentions that.”
A Developer’s Vision for America’s House
Long known for his real estate background, Trump is now applying his signature vision to America’s most iconic residence. His second term has already included a series of aesthetic and structural upgrades, including:
REPORTER: "Mr. President, what are you doing up there?"@POTUS: "Taking a little look!"
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 5, 2025
A full Rose Garden renovation, now with a polished stone patio
Gold embroidery enhancements in the Oval Office
New flagpoles towering over both the north and south lawns
The addition of a grand ballroom, Trump believes, will allow the White House to better host major state functions and historic events. Architect Jim McCrery, who accompanied the president during the rooftop walk, has been commissioned to design the expansion. The two were seen deep in conversation, pointing across the grounds and mapping out next steps.
Playful as Ever
Of course, Trump couldn’t resist a few jokes. When asked what he planned to build next, he quipped, “Nuclear missiles,” mimicking a rocket launch with his hands, prompting laughter from the press corps below.
But beneath the humor, the moment reflected something very Trump: an active, hands-on approach to leadership, with a focus on legacy, design, and spectacle.
“More Ways to Spend My Money for the Country”
Trump’s rooftop walk was unexpected, unconventional, and entirely on-brand. With a focus on funding his own projects and beautifying the White House for future generations, he summed it up best himself:
“Just more ways to spend my money—for the country.”
