Republicans Take Stand Against Taxpayers Footing Bill for Trump Ballroom
Several Republican senators, including Rick Scott and Rand Paul, support the construction of a secure White House ballroom but oppose using taxpayer funds, emphasizing that private donations are already covering the $400 million project. The push follows a shooting at the WHCA dinner, which has been cited by the Trump administration as justification for the ballroom's necessity. While some Republicans like Lindsey Graham advocate for public funding through the White House Safety and Security Act, others insist on keeping the project privately financed. The ballroom, part of the East Wing modernization, is designed to be bulletproof and drone-resistant, with an underground bunker complex for national security emergencies.
- ▪Senator Rick Scott supports the ballroom project but insists it should not use taxpayer money, as private funds have already been secured.
- ▪A shooting at the WHCA dinner prompted renewed calls for the secure ballroom and led to proposed legislation to fund the project.
- ▪The Trump administration claims the $400 million ballroom is fully funded by private donations and is critical for presidential safety.
- ▪Republican Senator Rand Paul plans to introduce a bill ensuring the ballroom remains privately funded and transparent to Congress.
- ▪The ballroom is part of a larger East Wing modernization effort, including an underground bunker designed to withstand attacks and serve as an emergency command center.
- ▪The National Trust for Historic Preservation is suing to stop construction, but a recent court decision allowed work to continue temporarily.
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By Mandy TaheriPolitics and Culture ReporterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Senator Rick Scott of Florida is among several Republicans opposing the use of taxpayer dollars for the new White House ballroom, even as he backs the project itself.He told Newsweek in an email Tuesday: “We don’t need tax dollars for it because the project is already paid for with private funds.
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