In a moment that captured both his transparency and signature flair, President Donald Trump took questions from reporters Tuesday while casually walking across the rooftop of the White House. The unannounced appearance left reporters scrambling as they shouted questions up to the President, who smiled and responded with ease.

“What are you doing up there?” one reporter yelled.

“Taking a little walk,” Trump replied, waving as he made his way across the rooftop. When pressed further, he revealed he was inspecting the area where a new state ballroom is set to be constructed. “I’m going to see the ballroom that’s gonna be on the other side,” he added, referencing the administration’s latest renovation plans.

The moment was both visually striking and politically symbolic. For a president who’s leaned heavily into direct communication with the public, Tuesday’s rooftop Q&A added another chapter to his self-proclaimed title as “the most transparent president in history.”

And the numbers back it up. On his very first day back in office in January, Trump answered a staggering 75 questions and follow-ups in just under 50 minutes—more than Joe Biden managed in his entire first week in office back in 2021. The contrast is even sharper when you consider that Biden’s aides often restricted press access, relying on notecards and scripted events to manage interactions.

Trump, by contrast, seems eager to turn any moment into a media opportunity—even from the roof.

The context for the rooftop visit was the announcement that the White House will soon begin construction on a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom, slated to replace the current East Wing. The massive new space will accommodate up to 650 people and is expected to feature arched windows and grand chandeliers—a nod to Trump’s long-standing vision for elegance and grandeur in government spaces.

“I’m just finding new ways to spend my money for the country,” Trump joked, hinting that personal contributions might factor into the project.

The press wasn’t just surprised by the location of the Q&A—it was the accessibility and spontaneity that stood out. Unlike the tightly scripted interactions of the previous administration, Trump continues to engage reporters directly and frequently, often with little warning or preparation.

White House officials say this is part of a broader effort to restore public trust and remove the layers of insulation that defined the Biden era. One aide noted that “President Trump believes if you’re leading the country, you shouldn’t be hiding from the people.”

That philosophy is evident across the administration. From lengthy press briefings to town halls and walk-and-talks with reporters, Trump’s second term has placed a premium on access and visibility. Tuesday’s rooftop moment only solidified that approach.

And while critics may call it a stunt, supporters see it as vintage Trump: bold, direct, and willing to take questions—literally from the top.

Whether it’s behind the podium or above it, one thing is clear: Trump isn’t just back in Washington—he’s making sure everyone knows it.