Federal funding for Trump’s ballroom in jeopardy after Senate ruling
Federal funding for President Trump's planned White House ballroom is at risk following a Senate ruling. The Senate's parliamentarian removed security funding from a spending package, complicating Republican efforts to secure taxpayer money for the project. Democrats have criticized the ballroom as an unnecessary expense amid rising costs for Americans.
- ▪The Senate's parliamentarian removed security funding for Trump's $400 million ballroom from a spending package.
- ▪Republicans are seeking $1 billion in taxpayer funding for Secret Service security upgrades, including for the ballroom.
- ▪Democrats oppose the ballroom funding, viewing it as a frivolous expense during a time of rising living costs.
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Federal funding for Trump’s ballroom in jeopardy after Senate rulingSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxConstruction continues on the planned White House ballroom in the area of the former East Wing in Washington, DC, US, on May 14. PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 17, 2026, 11:37 AMUpdated May 17, 2026, 11:37 AMWASHINGTON - A US Senate official on May 16 removed security funding that could be used for President Donald Trump’s planned US$400 million (S$512 million) 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, Ms Elizabeth MacDonough, deals a blow to Mr Trump and his administration, which has sought the money for…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.