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Federal funding for Trump ballroom in trouble after Senate ruling
Republicans want to allocate $1bn in public funds for Secret Service security upgrades linked to the plans.A senior United States Senate official has put up a major roadblock for Republicans as they seek to use taxpayer money for security upgrades linked to President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom.Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled on Saturday that the proposed funding, as written in a spending bill, does not comply with the chamber’s budget rules, a Democratic lawmaker said.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Ronda Rousey retires again after 17-second submission defeat of Gina Caranolist 2 of 4‘Timmy’ the rescued humpback whale confirmed deadlist 3 of 4World Cup 2026: FIFA holds ‘positive’ talks with Iranian football officialslist 4 of 4WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda a global health emergencyend of listTrump had repeatedly said the ballroom itself would be funded through $400m in private donations. But Republicans have sought to include $1bn for the Secret Service to pay for security improvements tied to the ballroom and other planned underground facilities.Democrats have sharply criticised the proposal, describing it as an unnecessary luxury project at a time when many Americans are struggling with the rising cost of living, including higher fuel prices.Trump, a former real estate developer, has promoted the project heavily, calling it “the finest building of its kind anywhere in the world”.According to the office of Senator Jeff Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, MacDonough determined that the security funding could not be passed under the fast-track budget process Republicans are using to avoid needing 60 votes in the Senate.Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the chamber, meaning they would struggle to secure enough Democratic backing if the ruling stands.Merkley said Democrats would continue challenging any attempt by Republicans to rewrite the legislation to satisfy Senate rules.The disputed funding is part of a wider $72bn spending package focused largely on immigration enforcement, which Republicans hope to pass without Democratic support.Democrats have opposed additional funding for Trump’s immigration policies unless broader reforms are included, especially after incidents in Minnesota in January in which US citizens were killed during operations involving federal immigration agents.Republicans argued the security funding is necessary to protect the president. They po...
Federal funding for Trump's ballroom in jeopardy after Senate ruling
Item 1 of 2 Aerial view from the top of the Washington Monument shows construction crews as they continue site preparation for a planned White House ballroom in the area of the former East Wing in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 2, 2026. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno[1/2]Aerial view from the top of the Washington Monument shows construction crews as they continue site preparation for a planned White House ballroom in the area of the former East Wing in Washington,... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read moreSummarySenate parliamentarian removes security funding for White House ballroom projectDemocrats criticize project as costly, Republicans cite security needsLegal battle ongoing over demolition of East WingWASHINGTON, May 16 (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate official on Saturday removed security funding that could be used for President Donald Trump's planned White House ballroom from a massive spending package, Democratic lawmakers said, imperiling Republican efforts to devote taxpayer money to the contentious project.The decision by the Senate's parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, deals a blow to Trump and his administration, which has sought the money for security purposes related to the ballroom. Sign up here.Trump has said the construction of the ballroom would be funded by $400 million in private donations. But Senate Republicans are seeking $1 billion in taxpayer funding to the Secret Service for security upgrades to the ballroom and other structures being built beneath it.FRIVOLOUS DIVERSION OR NECESSARY MODERNIZATION?Democrats have criticized the ballroom as an expensive and frivolous diversion by Trump at a time when Americans face rising costs such as higher fuel prices. Trump, a real estate developer-turned-politician, has written on social media that it will be "the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World."MacDonough ruled that the security funding provision falls under chamber rules that require 60 votes to pass most legislation, according to the office of Senator Jeff Merkley, the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee.Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.The parliamentarian interprets Senate rules, including whether legislative provisions are permitted. Republican senators still could revise the legislation to try to gain the parliamentarian's approval."While we expect Republicans to change this bill to appease Trump, Democrats are prepared to challenge any change to this bill," Merkley said in a statement.Senate Maj...
Trump's White House ballroom funding in jeopardy after Senate ruling ...
President Trump's planned White House ballroom faces a funding setback after the Senate parliamentarian ruled against a GOP bid to include $1 billion for related security upgrades.
Funding Tied to White House Ballroom Hits Snag in Senate - WSJ
WASHINGTON—The Senate's parliamentarian has found that $1 billion in federal funding related to President Trump's White House ballroom is subject to a 60-vote threshold in the Senate rather ...
