Federal funding for Trump ballroom in trouble after Senate ruling
A Senate ruling has blocked Republican efforts to allocate $1bn in federal funds for Secret Service security upgrades tied to President Donald Trump's proposed White House ballroom. Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough determined the funding does not comply with budget rules, preventing its passage via fast-track procedures. Democrats have criticized the project as an unnecessary expense, while Republicans argue it is essential for presidential security.
- ▪Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that the proposed $1bn in security funding does not comply with Senate budget rules.
- ▪President Donald Trump claims the ballroom will be funded by $400m in private donations, but security upgrades would rely on public funds.
- ▪Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority and are using a fast-track process to avoid needing 60 votes for the broader spending package.
- ▪Democrats oppose the funding, calling the ballroom a luxury project amid economic challenges facing many Americans.
- ▪The security funding is part of a larger $72bn package focused on immigration enforcement, which Republicans aim to pass without Democratic support.
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News|Donald TrumpFederal funding for Trump ballroom in trouble after Senate rulingRepublicans want to allocate $1bn in public funds for Secret Service security upgrades linked to the plans.ListenListen (2 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoPresident Donald Trump argues that a White House ballroom is needed for the security of the president after an alleged assassination attempt against him on April 25, 2026, in Washington, DC [Will Oliver/EPA]Published On 17 May 202617 May 2026A 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…
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