President Donald Trump is showing off completed renovations to the White House’s south entrance and heliport, saying the upgrades bring “additional life” to the grounds.
“Actual pictures of our fully renovated White House facade, facing South, with the new South Entrance, and Heliport!” Trump said on Truth Social on Thursday.
“Over the years, the facade, both North and South, suffered tremendous wear, tear, and damage,” he continued.
Trump announced the helipad’s completion in September. He announced plans to build the helipad in May. Broader renovations to the White House’s South Lawn began in June.
“The exterior walls and ornamentation, both missing and in bad condition, has been fully restored to the Highest Level, giving the White House many decades of additional life!” Trump’s post continued. “It had to be done, and I am very proud to be the President who did it! Likewise, the Ballroom and Military Complex, is on time, and on budget, and will make an unbelievably beautiful addition, the first since the West Wing in 1901, to the White House.”
The White House announced in July 2025 that a new ballroom would be constructed. Demolition began in October 2025.
The president has faced many challenges over the past few months as critics question its legality.
Trump has argued the ballroom is a necessity in light of recent targeted attacks against him.
On April 25, the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner took a turn when suspected gunman Cole Allen, 31, allegedly fired shots from inside the Washington Hilton. Secret Service agents tackled Allen, and no serious injuries were reported, but one agent was shot on his bulletproof vest.
Allen was charged and indicted with trying to assassinate the president of the United States.
Trump has since argued that this is grounds for the construction of a safe and secure space for the president to host large events without leaving the White House grounds. The ballroom is also part of security and military enhancements, and the space will have a unique ability to stop bullets and other strikes.
He also touted a drone port right below the roof.
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The ballroom was originally slated to cost $200 million when it was announced. The estimated cost has now doubled to $400 million.
Construction is ongoing on the ballroom, as the Supreme Court ruled in August that it could continue.