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Senate parliamentarian rejects security funding for ballroom
A key U.S. Senate official ruled on Saturday that proposed federal funds cannot be used to finance security upgrades tied to former President Donald Trump's planned White House ballroom, delivering a victory to Democratic lawmakers.
Background of the dispute
Republicans had included a $1 billion allocation in a broader spending bill aimed at funding immigration agencies under the Department of Homeland Security. The provision earmarked funds for security enhancements linked to renovations of the White House's East Wing, where Trump intends to build a $400 million ballroom.
Trump has stated that private donors will cover the ballroom's construction costs, but GOP lawmakers sought to use taxpayer money for security upgrades following an April shooting incident at a Trump-hosted gala.
Parliamentarian's ruling
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, who oversees procedural rules in the chamber, determined that the security funding provision violated the Byrd Rule, a budgetary guideline that bars non-fiscal measures from reconciliation bills. She concluded the provision exceeded the Senate Judiciary Committee's jurisdiction.
Democrats celebrated the decision, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declaring on social media that Republicans had attempted to force taxpayers to fund Trump's "billion-dollar ballroom" but failed.
"Americans don't want a ballroom. They don't need a ballroom. And they sure as hell should not be forced to pay for one."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer
Republican response and next steps
Senate Majority Leader John Thune's spokesperson, Ryan Wrasse, indicated that Republicans would revise the bill to comply with procedural rules, stating, "Redraft. Refine. Resubmit. None of this is abnormal during a Byrd process."
Senator Jeff Merkley, the top Democrat on the relevant committee, warned that Republicans might alter the bill to appease Trump and pledged Democratic opposition to any such changes.
Broader context of White House renovations
Trump's ballroom project is part of a series of high-profile modifications to the White House and Washington, D.C. Since taking office, he has overseen the demolition of the East Wing, added gold accents to the Oval Office, and replaced the Rose Garden with a patio resembling his Mar-a-Lago estate.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed lawsuits to halt construction, arguing that the demolition and renovations require congressional approval. However, an appeals court ruled in April that underground and aboveground work could proceed.
Trump has also renamed D.C. institutions, such as the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Institute of Peace, to include his name and announced plans for a 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery.
