A fortified, bulletproof door is being quietly installed at the main entrance of Donald Trump’s White House as part of a major new security overhaul, the Daily Mail can reveal.
White House sources said the reinforced door is being added to the historic North Portico, the formal front entrance where Trump receives visiting world leaders and dignitaries.
Earlier this month, an illusion tarp was placed around the building’s iconic white-painted stone columns as officials described the work as “standard restoration.”
But sources said the project goes well beyond routine repairs, involving sensitive “security enhancements and upgrades” that have not been publicly detailed.
The work comes after a series of threats against Trump in recent months, including the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April.
The broader security push is also accelerating plans for Trump’s heavily fortified new 90,000-square-foot ballroom, which is set to include sniper nests, an underground bunker and a drone port.
Still, sources said the bulletproof North Portico door remains the Secret Service’s most urgent priority and is expected to be completed by mid-September.
Built in 1830 during the presidency of Andrew Jackson, the North Portico offers covered access to the White House Entrance Hall and serves as the official ceremonial arrival point for visiting heads of state.
A bulletproof, heavy-duty door is being quietly installed at the main entrance to Donald Trump’s White House as part of significant new security work, the Daily Mail can reveal
Trump branded the front area ‘horrible’ and in a ‘deplorable condition’ after he was pictured examining its columns in May.
Trump ordered the renovations after noticing ‘dings’ and chipped plaster on the 200-year-old pillars which were last repainted during a comprehensive preservation project for the entire exterior of the White House that concluded in 1996.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum described Trump’s eye for detail on a recent appearance on Katie Miller’s podcast.
‘President Trump comes out to greet a world leader, he sees door dings in the pillars and says, ‘Look at all this stuff that needs to be repaired,” Burgum explained. ‘It’s all historic renovation work.’
Trump has considered proposals for a more ornate Corinthian style column to replace the Ionic columns at the North Portico, according to the Washington Post.
The President has promised the finished entrance will stand as a ‘symbol of extraordinary beauty and pride.’
The ramped up security follows a series of targeted threats, including at the White House Correspondents Dinner and an alleged scheme uncovered just last month aimed directly at a UFC fight hosted on the White House South Lawn.
A gunman breached the White House perimeter and opened fire with a revolver in May. He was shot and killed by Secret Service and it was later revealed he had posted threats against Trump online.
Scaffolding is seen on the North Portico of the White House, Friday, July 10
An illusion tarp covering scaffolding was then placed over the front of the White House
A Secret Service agent rolls up the covering on the North Portico of the White House
Donald Trump inspects work at the North Portico on Saturday, July 11
The defense surge is just one piece of a sweeping physical transformation Trump has spearheaded across the executive grounds since returning to office.
Additional security upgrades currently in the pipeline include brand-new perimeter fencing around nearby Lafayette Park, situated on the north side of the estate.
Trump’s signature aesthetic is also reshaping the mansion’s decor.
Renovations already include custom gold cursive signage dotted around the grounds, newly planted trees and revamped walls, most recently in the Rose Garden.
Trump is also aiming to erect a multi-million-dollar monument inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The planning commission has granted initial approval.
The 250-foot arch would be built inside a major roundabout between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery if given the final green light.
