Trump Administration to Build Underground Security Screening Center for Visitors

The Trump administration has unveiled plans for a major renovation of the White House grounds.

“The Trump administration has proposed the construction of an underground facility to screen visitors to the White House”

CBS News

This includes the construction of a 33,000-square-foot underground security screening center for visitors.

CBS News

The facility would be built beneath Sherman Park, located southeast of the White House and directly south of the Treasury building.

This represents part of President Trump's comprehensive overhaul of the presidential campus.

Plans have been submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission for approval.

The current visitor screening process has been significantly disrupted since President Trump tore down the East Wing last fall.

This demolition was done to construct a planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom as part of Trump's 'legacy project.'

CNN

Prior to the demolition, visitors lined up in Sherman Park for security checks before proceeding through trailer-type structures.

With the East Wing gone, tourists now gather at an alternate location in Lafayette Park.

This creates challenges for both visitors and security personnel.

The proposed underground facility is designed to significantly improve the visitor experience.

“The White House wants to build an underground center to provide security screening for visitors Mar 14, 2026, 5:00 AM (Anna Moneymaker, Getty Images) WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House wants to build an underground center to provide security screening for visitors, the latest step in the Trump administration’s plan to overhaul the grounds”

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The new center would feature seven lanes for initial ID checks.

Visitors would queue in multiple entry lanes before proceeding to a new lobby and another checkpoint.

The screening area would be engineered to accommodate large tour groups.

This modernization aims to replace current reliance on temporary trailers and tents.

The current setup provides inadequate protection from weather conditions.

The project raises important environmental and historical considerations.

The existing statue of Union General William Tecumseh Sherman would remain in place.

National Today

At least six trees will be removed and replaced with 'suitable native species and landscaping.'

The National Capital Planning Commission is working to mitigate the facility's impact on historic sites.

Plans include landscape restoration to 'enhance the park's character.'

The design aims to maintain public access while avoiding structures that detract from surrounding buildings.

Construction could begin as early as fall 2026.

“The Trump administration has proposed the construction of an underground facility to screen visitors to the White House”

CBS News

Completion is projected for July 2028.

CBS News

The project is a collaboration between Executive Office of President, Secret Service, and National Park Service.

The proposal will be discussed at NCPC's April 2 meeting.

Commissioners will also consider voting on the proposed ballroom.

Will Scharf, NCPC chairman, also serves as Trump's staff secretary.

The underground screening center is part of broader Trump administration construction projects.

This comes as the administration faces backlash over other development plans.

Other projects include a performing arts venue and Kennedy Center renovation.

White House spokesman defends the project as necessary for visitor experience.

The new facility will be 'state of the art in design.'

Discussions about underground screening have occurred for decades.

The current administration represents a significant acceleration of these plans.