On 5/8, US President Donald Trump took a 20-minute walk on the flat roof of the White House West Wing, above the press briefing room, while surveying the planned location for a new ballroom.

Accompanying Trump were White House officials, architect James McCrery, and security personnel.

"I'm taking a little stroll," Trump told reporters who asked what he was doing. When a reporter asked what he planned to build next, Trump jokingly replied, "Nuclear missiles,".

Addressing the planned $200 million ballroom, Trump said he would personally fund it and might accept contributions from some private donors.

"I'm paying for everything myself, so you don't have to worry. The ballroom will be built with donated funds, just like how I donate my salary. But nobody talks about that," he said, referring to his practice of donating his presidential salary to federal agencies.

Trump has long expressed his desire for a White House ballroom, inspired by his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The estate also serves as a model for the White House renovations.

Since taking office, Trump has redecorated the Oval Office with new artwork and gilded statues. He also paved the Rose Garden to create a walkway over the wet grass that often posed challenges for women in high heels. Additionally, he erected two large American flags outside the White House.

US President Donald Trump on the roof of the West Wing on 6/8. Photo: AP

On 31/7, the White House announced that Trump would build a $200 million ballroom with a capacity of 650 people. Released sketches depict a white building with large columns and a facade resembling the main White House building. The project aims to create a formal venue for hosting large-scale events for visiting international leaders, replacing the current practice of erecting tents on the grounds.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, USA Today, AP)