Edith Hejberg
On the morning of August 5, 2025, President Donald Trump surprised onlookers by stepping onto the roof of the White House press room.
Protected by Secret Service agents and watched over by rooftop snipers, he spent about 20 minutes walking the perimeter.
Journalists, gathered at a safe distance below, were told the president was inspecting the site for a future event hall. But in true Trump fashion, the moment quickly turned into political theatre.
A Joke That Raised Eyebrows
When asked what he planned to build on the roof, Trump smirked and replied, “Missiles… nuclear missiles.”
He even mimicked the hand gesture of launching one. The quip, delivered against a tense backdrop of deteriorating U.S.–Russia relations, wasn’t lost on the reporters below.
For some, it was vintage Trump humour; for others, it was a provocative jab that risked deepening the geopolitical rift.
A Self-Funded Makeover for the White House
Beyond the theatrics, Trump emphasised that he was footing the bill for the renovations himself.
The former real estate mogul framed the project as another way he was “spending my money for the country.” While no formal plans for missiles exist, the president appeared keen to project both personal generosity and symbolic strength from the nation’s most recognisable building.
An Ultimatum for Putin
Trump’s rooftop appearance came just days after he issued a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin: end the war in Ukraine by Friday or face heightened U.S. sanctions.
The new deadline marked a significant shift, shortening his original 50-day ultimatum to just ten days.
The White House insists the move is aimed at forcing a breakthrough in stalled peace efforts.
Escalating War of Words
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev responded sharply, warning that Trump’s threat could spark a direct U.S.–Russia conflict.
He reminded Washington of Moscow’s nuclear capabilities, suggesting they could be used as a “last resort.” Trump fired back by announcing the deployment of two nuclear submarines to undisclosed locations, a move that raised further alarm in diplomatic circles.
Kremlin Calls for Caution
Amid the escalating rhetoric, the Kremlin attempted to dial down tensions. Officials urged “great caution” in making nuclear threats and stressed the importance of avoiding missteps that could spiral into confrontation.
While Moscow’s tone was measured, Trump’s rooftop stunt and the missile joke, underscored the fragile state of relations between the two nuclear powers.
