백악관 지하 ‘핵 벙커’ 이미 있는데…‘아름다운 핵 무도회장’ 왜 필요한데?

A recent article by the Washington Post has sparked controversy over the existence of a nuclear bunker beneath the White House. According to three former government officials cited in the report, a high-strength bunker capable of withstanding a nuclear explosion is already located 60 feet beneath the presidential residence. This facility, designed to shelter dozens of individuals for months, also serves as a command center for the president and military officials in case of a nuclear attack.

Construction of this bunker began after the 9/11 terror attacks, with the specific location and design kept secret due to national security concerns.

The revelation of this existing bunker has raised questions about whether the Trump administration needs to build a new entertainment venue within the White House. The current administration is constructing a 9,000-square-foot banquet hall and security facility on the east wing of the White House, with a budget of $600 million. As of April 14th, about 65% of the project is complete.

President Trump has touted the new entertainment facility, claiming it would be the world's best, and designed to withstand a nuclear attack. However, the project has faced criticism over its high cost and potential damage to the historic building. Legal challenges from historical organizations led the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to halt the construction of the entertainment facility until further notice.

Despite this setback, the construction of the underground military facility remains authorized by the courts.