Unnamed Sources Claim No Need for Secure WH Bunker

## Unnamed Sources Claim No Need for Secure WH Bunker

By Jim Mishler    |  Monday, 24 August 2026 01:14 PM EDT

The Washington Post reported Monday that unnamed former "officials" claim the White House does not need a new underground bunker as part of its $600 million East Wing ballroom project.

Three unnamed sources told the Post the White House already has a highly protected bunker, buried more than 60 feet underground and built to withstand a nuclear blast, that can house dozens of people for weeks.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle countered that account, saying the "East Wing Modernization Project is inextricably tied to the security of the President, the White House grounds and the certain security infrastructure assets."

Ingle pointed to "the foiled attack on the historic UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House" as proof the project is "severely needed for large scale events," citing planned drone-proof structures and drone ports among the security upgrades.

White House Director of Management and Administration Joshua Fisher, who is managing the project, told the Supreme Court in an Aug. 13 filing that it is "in a very large way, a 'safe room' for the Presidency and the continuity of government."

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll separately told the court the project addresses an "emergency" in the White House's "defensive posture" caused by the spread of military-grade drones, calling it "a nondiscretionary prerequisite to ensure the President can maintain continuity of government," according to the Post.

Maj. Gen. Garrett R. Hoffman, director of the White House Military Office, told the court the ballroom and the underground facility are "inextricably intertwined elements" that provide "extraordinary protection" not previously available, the Post reported.

The unnamed sources claimed the same national security rationale was used two decades ago to build the current bunker and questioned why the administration suggests the White House lacks a secure site.

Construction is roughly 65% complete, with about 250 workers on site 20 hours a day, seven days a week.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has allowed construction to continue while the Supreme Court weighs the administration's emergency appeal.

#### Jim Mishler

#### **Jim Mishler**, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.

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