Democrats Oppose $1 Billion White House Ballroom Security Funding
Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, are mobilizing against a Republican budget reconciliation package that includes $1 billion for Secret Service security upgrades linked to President Trump’s proposed White House ballroom. While the administration claims construction costs are privately funded, Democrats criticize the public expenditure as excessive and partisan, especially amidst broader immigration enforcement funding. The controversy highlights deepening political divisions, with Democrats planning procedural challenges and forced votes to block the measure. Republicans aim to pass the bill using their majority, setting the stage for a significant legislative confrontation in the Senate.
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House Democrat seeks to bar Pentagon funds for White House ballroom
Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, is proposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would prohibit the use of Pentagon funds for constructing a White House ballroom, reportedly associated with President Trump's priorities. The amendment aims to restrict at least $150 million in military funds from being diverted to this non-defense project. The move reflects ongoing congressional oversight and debate over executive branch use of defense appropriations.
Just In NewsTrump Administration Diverts $352 Million from Secret Service for White House Ballroom Project
President Trump's administration has covertly redirected $352 million in federal funds originally earmarked for Secret Service resources to White House security measures, which sources say will be used to construct a new East Wing including a ballroom. The funds came from Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' tax law passed last year. Congressional leaders from both parties expressed alarm, with Republican Senator Thom Tillis calling it 'a big problem' and questioning the transparency. Democratic Senator Chris Coons accused Trump of lying about taxpayers not funding the ballroom. The total ballroom project is expected to cost $600 million, half from taxpayers. An OMB official claimed the ballroom would be funded by private donations, but the transfer has raised bipartisan concerns. This is not the first time such funds have been repurposed, as previous uses included a luxury jet for a former cabinet secretary.
The New RepublicTrump DOJ Claims Alleged UFC Assassination Plot Justifies White House Ballroom Construction
The Trump administration has argued to a federal appeals court that an alleged plot to attack a UFC event at the White House, which led to the FBI arresting five individuals, demonstrates the need for a new White House ballroom. The Justice Department claims the ballroom's design, including a drone-proof roof, bulletproof windows, and sniper nests, would prevent future assassination attempts. The court is deliberating on whether the administration can build the structure without congressional approval, after a lower court ruled against it. The project's cost has escalated from $200 million to an estimated $600 million, with reports indicating taxpayers are funding over half of it, despite initial promises of private donations. The ballroom is expected to open in fall 2028 if approved.
Forbes - BusinessSix GOP Senators Join Democrats to Block Trump's White House Ballroom
Six Republican senators crossed party lines to vote with Democrats in support of an amendment sponsored by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) that would block the construction of President Trump's proposed 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom unless Congress explicitly authorizes the project. The amendment aimed to give Congress sole authority over constructing a new ballroom and would have prohibited the use of any federal funds or private donations for the project without legislative approval. The vote highlights internal GOP dissent over the project and underscores ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Congress regarding spending and authorization of major White House infrastructure projects.
Just In NewsSenate Republicans Remove $1 Billion Trump Ballroom Security Funding from Immigration Bill
Senate Republicans removed up to $1 billion in security funding for President Trump's proposed White House ballroom from an immigration enforcement bill. GOP leaders feared the provision could derail the broader bill politically and procedurally, as it risked failing the 60-vote threshold required under budget reconciliation. The White House argued the funds were necessary due to an alleged assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April. However, the Senate parliamentarian had previously ruled the provision violated the Byrd Rule, which bars extraneous spending in reconciliation bills. Some Republicans also worried the funding would make the party appear out of touch ahead of the midterm elections. The revised bill now sends tens of billions to ICE and CBP without the ballroom funding.
US Top News and AnalysisSenate Republicans Refuse to Fund Trump’s Ballroom in Spending Bill
Senate Republicans voted to exclude federal funding for President Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom from the latest budget reconciliation bill draft. The project, initially claimed to cost $200 million from private donors, escalated to a $1 billion security funding request. Nonpartisan Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled taxpayer funding for the ballroom unnecessary in May, prompting Trump to seek her dismissal. Four Republican senators—Cassidy, Collins, Murkowski, and Tillis—publicly opposed the project, with broader private GOP opposition. The ballroom funding was stripped alongside Trump's $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' which was also discarded amid public and legal pressure. The reconciliation bill primarily aims to fund the Department of Homeland Security through the end of Trump's second term.
The New RepublicTrump invokes national security in push for White House ballroom ‘drone port’
President Donald Trump on Sunday criticized a federal judge's injunction halting aboveground construction of the White House ballroom, arguing the project is essential for national security. In a Truth Social post, Trump warned the judge would be responsible for 'Death and Destruction' if an attack occurred. The $400 million project, opposed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, includes a 'drone port' for an unlimited number of drones, missile-proof roofing, and a military hospital. Trump claimed the project is funded by his own money and donors. The Justice Department, under Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, filed an urgent request to complete the ballroom, citing three recent security incidents near the White House, including a May 23 shooting while Trump was inside. The legal dispute continues as a federal appeals court paused the injunction, allowing work to resume temporarily.
Marine Corps TimesSenate reconciliation bill test for $1 billion White House ballroom security funding
President Donald Trump's request for $1 billion to fund security for the White House ballroom faces a critical test in the U.S. Senate. The chamber could begin voting on a reconciliation package as early as Thursday, but the proposed funding for the ballroom may be excluded from the final bill. The legislative text for immigration enforcement agencies, which is part of the same reconciliation effort, has yet to be released. The inclusion of the ballroom security funding has been controversial and will be decided during the Senate proceedings. The outcome will determine whether the White House receives the requested security upgrades for its ballroom.
Just In NewsRepublicans Abandon $1 Billion Taxpayer Funding for Trump's White House Ballroom
President Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom, described as a lavish vanity project with golden interiors, faces bipartisan backlash. Republican Senator John Kennedy confirmed the GOP lacks sufficient votes to include $1 billion in taxpayer funding for the project in the budget bill, and the amendment is expected to be removed. Four Republican senators—Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Thom Tillis—publicly opposed public funding. Cassidy recently lost his primary after Trump endorsed his opponent; Collins and Murkowski face tough midterm challenges; Tillis is retiring. The White House initially claimed the ballroom would be funded by $200 million from Trump and private donors, but the figure later doubled to $400 million. Senate Republicans attempted to insert $1 billion for White House security, including $220 million for ballroom security, into the budget bill, but the nonpartisan Senate parliamentarian deemed the allotment spurious. Trump subsequently tried to have the parliamentarian fired.
The New RepublicRepublicans Abandon $1 Billion Taxpayer Funding for Trump's White House Ballroom
President Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom, a lavish project initially estimated at $200 million and later ballooning to $1 billion, has faced bipartisan backlash. Republican Senator John Kennedy confirmed the GOP lacks sufficient votes to include the taxpayer-funded amendment in the budget bill, leading to its expected removal. Four Republican senators—Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Thom Tillis—publicly opposed the funding. Cassidy, who recently lost his primary after a Trump endorsement, also criticized a separate $1.8 billion Trump slush fund. The White House had attempted to disguise the ballroom funding as security costs, including $220 million for ballroom security, but the Senate parliamentarian deemed the allotment spurious. Trump subsequently tried to have the parliamentarian fired. The opposition from these four Republicans, combined with widespread Democratic opposition, effectively kills the funding.
The New RepublicSenate Blocks Taxpayer Funding for Trump's White House Ballroom Project
On May 18, 2026, the Senate's procedural guardian rejected efforts to secure taxpayer funding for former President Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom project. The initiative, aimed at constructing an 8,300-square-meter indoor event space to eliminate the need for outdoor tents, faced significant opposition. Initially, Trump intended to finance the project through private donations and by redirecting $1 billion allocated for Secret Service security improvements. However, following a shooting incident in April, those security funds were retained for their original purpose of strengthening presidential protection. Reports indicate the project's cost may have escalated to $400 million. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the decision, stating that Democrats successfully thwarted Republican attempts to impose the cost on taxpayers. Schumer emphasized that the American public neither wants nor needs such a luxury addition and should not be forced to pay for it. This development marks a significant setback for Trump's renovation ambitions, which have previously included extensive gold-themed decorations in the executive residence.
444Senate Parliamentarian Blocks $1B Funding Linked to White House Ballroom Project
The US Senate parliamentarian has rejected a $1 billion funding provision intended for White House and Secret Service security, which was partially connected to the construction of a planned White House ballroom. This decision was reported by American media on May 18, 2026. The funding request was embedded within a broader $72 billion legislative package primarily focused on immigration enforcement. However, the parliamentarian ruled the specific provision ineligible under budget reconciliation rules as it was currently written. The rejected request reportedly included $220 million designated for "hardening" the White House complex, encompassing security upgrades associated with the new ballroom, a visitor screening center, and other Secret Service operational needs. The move has drawn scrutiny from some Republican lawmakers, with Senator John Curtis expressing skepticism about the magnitude of the financial request, stating he had "really hard questions" regarding the billion-dollar ask. This development highlights ongoing legislative hurdles facing infrastructure and security upgrades at the executive residence during the current administration.
Sputnik News - World News, Breaking News & Top StorieSenate Parliamentarian Blocks Funding for Trump's White House Ballroom
The US Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, has ruled that a proposal to allocate $1 billion in security funding for the White House, which included provisions for Donald Trump’s planned $400 million ballroom, failed to meet procedural rules. This decision removes the controversial funding from a massive spending package, significantly hindering Republican efforts to use taxpayer money for the project. While Trump claims private donors will fund the ballroom's construction, his administration sought public funds for associated security upgrades. Republicans, holding a 53-47 majority, are attempting to pass the legislation alongside immigration enforcement measures without Democratic support, utilizing complex budget rules. Democrats oppose the measure, criticizing the ballroom as a frivolous expense amidst rising living costs and demanding reforms related to immigration enforcement following recent incidents. Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s spokesperson indicated that Republicans intend to redraft and resubmit the proposal. The ruling represents a procedural setback for the Trump administration as it navigates a divided Congress to secure funding for its signature projects.
The GuardianGOP Bid to Fund Trump’s White House Ballroom Security Blocked by Senate Ruling
A Republican effort to allocate $1 billion in taxpayer funds for security infrastructure related to President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom was rejected by the Senate Parliamentarian on technical grounds. The provision was included in a budget reconciliation bill alongside significant funding for ICE and Border Patrol, aiming to bypass the filibuster. However, the ruling cited the Byrd Rule, which prohibits extraneous matters not directly related to federal spending or revenue from being included in such bills. Senate Democrats argued the project spans multiple committee jurisdictions, making it inappropriate for the Judiciary Committee alone. Despite the setback, GOP leadership indicated plans to redraft and resubmit the measure. This move contradicts President Trump’s previous assertions that the ballroom would be fully funded by private donors. Internal memos reveal the requested funds would cover White House hardening, visitor screenings, training, and Secret Service protection enhancements. Some Republicans have expressed concern over the changing cost estimates and political optics of using public funds for the project.
Mother JonesSenate GOP Revises White House Ballroom Security Funding After Parliamentarian Ruling
Senate Republicans are revising their budget reconciliation package to fund Department of Homeland Security immigration agencies after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that provisions for White House security upgrades violated the Byrd rule. The original plan included $1 billion for the Secret Service, partly intended to support President Trump’s East Wing Modernization Project, which features a new ballroom. The parliamentarian determined these funds fell outside the Judiciary Committee’s jurisdiction, subjecting them to a 60-vote threshold that Republicans cannot meet with their current majority. Consequently, GOP lawmakers are redrafting the bill to comply with procedural rules while aiming to pass the package by June 1. Democrats have criticized the inclusion of ballroom-related security funds as wasteful and politically motivated, vowing to challenge any revised attempts to include such provisions. This setback adds political pressure on Republicans ahead of the November elections, as opponents frame the project as an unpopular use of national resources. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the parties regarding budgetary procedures and executive branch spending priorities.
Home - CBSNews.comTrump’s $1 Billion Ballroom Funding Bill Blocked in Senate Over Procedural Rules
A $1 billion legislative package intended to fund security measures for the White House and President Donald Trump’s new ballroom has encountered a significant procedural obstacle in the US Senate. Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough determined that the current draft requires 60 votes to pass, rather than a simple majority, because it funds activities outside the Judiciary Committee's jurisdiction. With Republicans holding only 53 seats, they cannot overcome the filibuster threshold without Democratic support. Top Senate Democrat Jeff Merkley strongly criticized the proposal as a waste of taxpayer money on a gold-plated project, vowing to challenge any revised versions. While the White House argues the funds are necessary for security upgrades following an assassination attempt, critics note that Trump initially promised private funding for the ballroom. Republican leaders have stated they are working with the parliamentarian to redraft and refine the legislation to comply with budget reconciliation rules, aiming to resubmit the bill for consideration.
The Independent WorldUS Senate Blocks $400 Million Allocation for Trump's White House Ballroom
The US Senate has eliminated a $400 million expenditure item from security funds, effectively blocking the allocation of public money for the construction of a new ballroom at the White House. This decision marks a significant setback for President Donald Trump, who views the project as a centerpiece of his presidential legacy. Republicans had attempted to justify the funding by citing security needs following an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, despite Trump's earlier claims that private donors would finance the construction. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the Republican effort as an attempt to use taxpayer money for Trump's personal projects, vowing continued opposition. The ballroom project has generated substantial controversy, particularly due to the unauthorized demolition of the White House East Wing and concerns over the structure's massive scale relative to the existing complex. Despite these legislative and legal hurdles, including a previous judicial suspension, President Trump announced via Truth Social that construction is proceeding ahead of schedule, with an inauguration targeted for September 2028. He described the future facility as the most magnificent of its kind in the United States.
Portada // elmundoTrump's White House Ballroom Project Faces Senate Funding Opposition
The financing for US President Donald Trump's proposed new ballroom at the White House has encountered significant legislative hurdles. Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate's parliamentarian, ruled that the initial funding mechanism in the budget law violated procedural rules, necessitating amendments which Republicans have pledged to address. The project, slated for a September 2028 opening, involved the demolition of the historic East Wing. While Trump asserts that private donors will cover the estimated $400 million construction cost, Republican lawmakers are seeking $1 billion in public funds for Secret Service security upgrades associated with the new structure and underground facilities. This proposal has drawn sharp condemnation from Democrats, who characterize it as an unnecessary luxury amidst rising living costs and fuel prices for average Americans. The situation highlights a growing partisan divide over executive spending priorities and the preservation of historical government landmarks. The article underscores the tension between the administration's architectural ambitions and fiscal conservatism concerns within the Senate, marking a notable conflict in the current legislative session regarding White House renovations.
Le SoirSenate Ruling Jeopardizes Federal Funding for Trump’s White House Ballroom
A U.S. Senate official, Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, has removed security funding for President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom from a major spending package. This decision significantly hinders Republican attempts to allocate taxpayer money for the controversial project, which Trump claims will be privately funded for construction but requires public funds for Secret Service security upgrades. Democrats have criticized the initiative as a frivolous expense amidst rising living costs, while Republicans argue it is necessary for presidential safety and infrastructure modernization. Although Republicans hold a Senate majority, the parliamentarian’s ruling indicates the provision requires 60 votes to pass, a threshold they currently cannot meet without Democratic support. GOP leaders have vowed to revise and resubmit the legislation. The project also faces legal challenges from the National Trust for Historic Preservation regarding the demolition of the historic East Wing. This development highlights ongoing partisan tensions over federal spending and executive projects, with Democrats leveraging the issue for upcoming midterm elections.
Cyprus MailTrump's $400 Million White House Ballroom Faces Funding Freeze After Senate Ruling
A US Senate official, Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, has removed security funding for President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom from a major spending package, dealing a significant blow to the administration. While Trump claims the $400 million construction cost will be covered by private donations, Republicans sought $1 billion in taxpayer funds for Secret Service security upgrades related to the project. MacDonough ruled that the provision required 60 votes to pass, a threshold Republicans cannot meet with their 53-47 majority without Democratic support. Democrats have criticized the ballroom as a frivolous expense amidst rising living costs and are prepared to challenge any legislative revisions aimed at bypassing the ruling. The controversy highlights broader tensions over a $72 billion spending bill focused on immigration enforcement. Additionally, the project faces legal challenges from the National Trust for Historic Preservation regarding the demolition of the historic East Wing, though an appeals court recently allowed construction to proceed. The ballroom is scheduled for completion by September 2028, near the end of Trump’s second term.
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