A White House ballroom project President Donald Trump once said would cost taxpayers nothing could now come with a $1 billion public price tag under a new Republican-backed spending proposal.
The funding is included in a broader immigration and border security bill released by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley. The legislation sets aside $1 billion for security upgrades tied to the White House complex, including enhancements connected to the ballroom project.
According to the bill, the money would fund “security adjustments and upgrades” within the White House perimeter, including both above-ground and below-ground features to support the United States Secret Service. The upgrades are tied to what the administration has described as an East Wing modernization effort.
Trump has repeatedly framed the ballroom as a privately funded addition to the White House. He told reporters last year that “not one penny” of government money would be used and described the project as a gift funded by private donors.
The proposal now moving through Congress suggests taxpayers could still bear significant costs tied to securing the site.
In a statement, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said the funding is necessary to protect the president and the White House complex. He pointed to the recent assassination attempt during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as part of the justification for expanded security measures.
Democrats have pushed back on the funding, arguing it contradicts earlier assurances about the project’s cost. Sen. Brian Schatz said lawmakers will get a vote on whether to remove the provision when the bill reaches the Senate floor.
Other Democrats were more direct in their criticism. Sen. Richard Blumenthal called the situation “a bait and switch,” saying taxpayers are now being asked to cover costs that were initially described as private.
Sen. Chris Coons said the overall price tied to the project could exceed $1 billion and questioned the lack of detailed briefings explaining the cost.
Some Republicans have defended the spending. Sen. Kevin Cramer cited security concerns and recent threats against the president as justification for the investment.
The ballroom itself is part of a larger redevelopment effort that includes reinforced construction materials designed to withstand potential attacks, as well as underground facilities such as medical space and a bomb shelter, according to court filings.
The project has also drawn legal challenges. A federal judge previously blocked construction from moving forward without congressional approval, and a federal appeals court is expected to hear arguments next month. Construction is continuing while the case is under review.
The funding proposal is part of a Republican-led reconciliation package, a key priority for GOP leadership this year. Democrats are expected to attempt to strip the ballroom-related funding during upcoming Senate debate.
