WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump made a surprise trip to a place that might be a first for a president: the roof of the White House.
Trump took a stroll atop the West Wing’s colonnade on Aug. 5, fielding questions from reporters as he scoped out projects he’s undertaking on the property, including a future 90,000-square-foot ballroom expansion for the south lawn announced last week.
“Taking a little walk,” Trump shouted down to reporters when asked what he was doing up there. He then referenced plans for the $200 million ballroom, which he said he will pay for himself and through private donations.
More: President Trump relishes new ‘very white’ paved-over Rose Garden
President Donald Trump tours the roof of the West Wing of the White House on August 05, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Trump was joined by White House officials and James McCrery, the architect hired for the ballroom expansion.
Trump did not say when asked whether he was considering additional renovations.
More: Trump’s golden ballroom: $200 million expansion announced in latest White House overhaul
President Donald Trump gestures while answering questions from reporters as he tours the roof of the West Wing of the White House on August 05, 2025 in Washington, DC.
“Anything I do is financed by me, so you don’t have to worry. It’s contributed ‒ just like my salary is contributed. But nobody ever mentions that,” Trump said.
When a reporter asked the president what he’s planning to build next, Trump jokingly responded, “Nuclear missiles.”
President Donald Trump shouts answers to questions from reporters as he tours the roof of the West Wing of the White House on August 05, 2025 in Washington, DC.
In addition to the ballroom, Trump has pushed through several other cosmetic changes at the White House so far during his second term, including a recently completed renovation of the Rose Garden, turning it into a stone patio; new gold embroidery throughout the Oval Office; and two soaring flag poles on the north and south lawns.
Reach Joey Garrison at @joeygarrison.
(This story was update to refresh headlines.)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump takes surprise visit to the roof of the White House