Is Trump Tower The New White House? Defense Department, Secret Service Move Into POTUS New York Headquarters

The Department of Defense is seeking to rent a space in President Donald Trump's luxury New York City property, Trump Tower, where military officials said Wednesday their services are required. Defense Department officials did not specify what their mission entailed at the iconic Fifth Avenue building, which hosts the Trump family primary residence, an opulent triple penthouse suite, and the headquarters of the Trump Organization.

Department of Defense spokesperson Lt. Col. J.B. Brindle simply said in a statement that the department was looking to rent a space to assist Trump at his home. "In order to meet official mission requirements, the Department of Defense is working through appropriate channels and in accordance with all applicable legal requirements in order to acquire a limited amount of leased space in Trump Tower," he said. "The space is necessary for the personnel and equipment who will support the POTUS at his residence in the building."

The Secret Service, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, already maintains a constant presence in and around the property, in addition to up to 150 officers from the New York Police Department. While Trump moved into the White House in Washington, D.C. following his inauguration last month, his wife, Melania Trump has said she will remain at Trump Tower to allow their youngest son, Barron Trump, to finish school in New York.

Following his election, Trump designated the property as the venue where he would meet countless political allies and foes, including former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as well as a number of business titans such as Tesla and SpaceX head Elon Musk, Alibaba Executive Chairman Jack Ma and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred. He also hosted a slew of guests from the entertainment world, including hip-hop icon Kanye West and television talk show host Steve Harvey. Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, has also used the residence to meet with her own guests, including Jordan's Queen Rania.

The property was first bought by Trump in 1979 and the 664-feet tower was completed in 1983. It has been Trump's primary residence for over three decades and was also the setting for Trump's NBC television show "The Apprentice."