Drone Ports and Funding Mayhem: Trump's Ballroom Has Turned Toxic
The Trump administration is pushing for $1 billion in funding for security enhancements at the White House ballroom. This request comes amid concerns about the optics of private donors funding a presidential bunker. Republicans are facing pressure to approve the funding despite ongoing political challenges and public discontent.
- ▪The White House is seeking $1 billion for security upgrades, including a bunker and bulletproof glass.
- ▪Concerns have been raised about the implications of private donors funding presidential security.
- ▪Trump's aides have warned that without the funding, security measures may be cut back.
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Hugo LowellPoliticsMay 27, 2026 11:00 AMDrone Ports and Funding Mayhem: Trump's Ballroom Has Turned Toxic“Republicans are just going to have to suck it up and get it done,” says one Trump aide about the funding melee. The votes, though, may simply not be there.Photo-illustration: WIRED Staff; Getty ImagesCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyPresident Donald Trump is squeezing Republicans to do his bidding on the ballroom.White House officials are pushing Republicans in Congress to approve $1 billion in security enhancements for Trump’s ballroom on grounds that it would be bad optics for private donors to pay for the presidential bunker underneath, according to two people familiar with the matter.The White House has said the ballroom itself has been…
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