GOP Senators push bill to fund Trump White House ballroom, citing national security

Senators Lindsey Graham, Katie Britt, and Eric Schmitt introduced a bill to authorize construction of a 90,000-square-foot presidential ballroom on the White House grounds, with a military complex and a Secret Service annex beneath it. The proposal would be funded by offsetting costs with customs fees, and national park fees would also defray expenses. Private donations could be used but might be directed toward other uses, such as purchasing fine china. The Hill is cited as the source, and the move marks a shift from the administration’s earlier claim that the project would be privately funded with zero taxpayer dollars.

An appellate court allowed the project to continue for now, at least until early June, providing additional time for the administration and Congress as legal questions remain unresolved.

A shooting occurred outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner, adding urgency to discussions about security and the ongoing construction plans for the ballroom project.

US District Judge Richard Leon ordered that all above-ground construction must stop until Congress approves the project, stating that the President is the steward of the White House for future generations but not the owner.

At a Cabinet meeting, President Trump said the military wanted the White House ballroom project and that it was originally meant to be kept secret. He described the ballroom as a cover for an underground structure, including drones, and stated it would be a major upgrading space beyond the East Room's capacity.