‘Just taking a walk’: Trump stuns press with WH rooftop stroll and bizarre joke about building nukes

‘Just taking a walk’: Trump stuns press with WH rooftop stroll and bizarre joke about building nukes
US 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 (Win McNamee/Getty Images)



 

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump stunned reporters Tuesday, August 5, with a surprise appearance on the White House roof above the West Wing. He appeared to be reviewing plans for an upcoming construction project.

The visit followed a series of bold renovations aimed at reshaping the White House to reflect Trump’s opulent style. This week, the administration unveiled a newly paved Rose Garden. It also announced plans for a 90,000-square-foot East Wing expansion, featuring a ballroom modeled after Mar-a-Lago.

U.S. 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. Trump has undertaken several renovation projects at the White House to include the construction of a concrete patio at the Rose Garden. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
US 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. Trump has undertaken several renovation projects at the White House to include the construction of a concrete patio at the Rose Garden (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Donald Trump takes questions from reporters while 'taking a little walk' on White House rooftop

Reporters, pushed far down the White House driveway, scrambled to understand what was happening when President Trump was suddenly spotted on the roof above the West Wing.

 

"Mr President, what are you doing up there?" one reporter called out. "Just taking a little walk," Trump shouted back.

 

When asked what he was building, he replied, "It goes with the ballroom, which is on the other side." Pressed for more details, Trump simply said, "Something beautiful," while gesturing with his hands.

 U.S. President Donald Trump gestures from the roof of the West Wing of the White House as he takes a tour along with Architect James McCrery (R) on August 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump has undertaken several renovation projects at the White House to include the construction of a concrete patio at the Rose Garden. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump gestures from the roof of the West Wing of the White House as he takes a tour along with Architect James McCrery (R) on August 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump has undertaken several renovation projects at the White House to include the construction of a concrete patio at the Rose Garden (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

He went on to describe the project as "just more ways to spend my money—for the country." He emphasized, "Anything I do is financed by me."

 

When asked if he was adding a second story or another structure, Trump refused to elaborate.

 U.S. President Donald Trump gestures from the roof of the West Wing of the White House as he takes a tour on August 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump has undertaken several renovation projects at the White House to include the construction of a concrete patio at the Rose Garden. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump gestures from the roof of the West Wing of the White House as he takes a tour on August 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump has undertaken several renovation projects at the White House to include the construction of a concrete patio at the Rose Garden (Win McNamee/Getty Images)    

He was accompanied by a small group of aides and Secret Service agents, including architect Jim McCrery, who is overseeing the planned ballroom addition. The president and McCrery appeared deep in conversation, pointing animatedly as they surveyed the area.

 

At one point, Trump moved out of view, likely to look over the South Lawn. When he returned, reporters tried again for answers.

 

"What are you trying to build?" one shouted. "Missiles," Trump quipped, apparently joking. "Nuclear missiles," he added, mimicking a rocket launch. He ignored a question about Gaza and then walked back inside.

 U.S. President Donald Trump gestures from the roof of the West Wing of the White House as he takes a tour on August 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump has undertaken several renovation projects at the White House to include the construction of a concrete patio at the Rose Garden. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures from the roof of the West Wing of the White House as he takes a tour on August 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump has undertaken several renovation projects at the White House to include the construction of a concrete patio at the Rose Garden. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Internet praises Donald Trump for his interview from the White House rooftop

A video of Donald Trump answering reporters' questions while walking on the White House rooftop stirred a flurry of reactions online, with many users expressing admiration.

One person commented, "Awesome, Classic Trump 🇺🇲👍."



 

Another added, "GOAT. We are so lucky!"



 

An X user praised, "He truly is one of a kind! We’ll never see another like him! 💖💖🇺🇸💖💖"



 

Someone else called him an "absolute genius!"



 

Another commenter remarked, "The rooftop is definitely a great spot for interviews."



 

One user explained, "He’s the best. He’s trying to show 🇺🇸 that anything is possible with love, respect, and unity. Age doesn’t matter if you have the will to act."



 

Another user observed, "Love this man!!! He’s interesting certainly not dull like Biden!! He’s always active, planning, strong."

A Facebook user wrote, "Great Job President Trump! Keep fulfilling all of your promises. God Bless you and your family."

White House's new project to begin in September

Construction crews will begin work on the new White House project in September. The estimated cost exceeds $200 million, but President Trump insists he, and unnamed private donors, will cover the expenses, not taxpayers.

 

According to the White House, the planned addition will seat up to 650 guests, triple the capacity of the East Room, currently the largest indoor venue on the 18-acre White House grounds.

In recent years, the administration has held large events like state dinners under tents on the South Lawn due to space limitations.

 

The new facility will rise on the current site of the East Wing, which sits between the Executive Residence and the Treasury Department.



 

Built in 1902 and expanded in the 1940s, the East Wing currently houses offices for First Lady Melania Trump and her staff, the White House Military Office, the Visitor’s Office, and various support departments. During construction, officials will temporarily relocate all East Wing offices.

 

Leavitt confirmed that once the new ballroom is finished, the East Wing will undergo extensive reconstruction. A White House rendering of the interior reveals an opulent hall featuring ornate ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and gold leaf detailing throughout.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on June 30, 2025 in Washington, DC ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on June 30, 2025 in Washington, DC ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Since returning to the office in January for his second term, Trump has aggressively pushed to redesign the White House to match his style. He brought in a cabinetmaker he previously hired at Mar-a-Lago, someone he calls his “gold guy”, to redecorate the Oval Office. The craftsman added gold leaf paint to multiple surfaces, introducing flashy new ornamentation to areas that previously featured none.

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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