Trump leads media tour of ballroom building site as Congress balks at $1bn price tag
Donald Trump conducted a media tour of the White House ballroom construction site, defending the project amidst Congressional pushback over its $1 billion price tag. He stated that the $400 million cost for the ballroom would be funded by private donors, while taxpayers would cover security expenses. Despite his claims of the ballroom being a 'gift' to the country, public opinion remains largely against the project, with ongoing litigation complicating its future.
- ▪Trump led a media tour of the White House ballroom construction site on May 19, 2026.
- ▪He claims the $400 million cost will be covered by private donors, not taxpayers.
- ▪Polling indicates that 56% of Americans oppose the ballroom project, which is currently facing legal challenges.
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| Original publisher | World news | The Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/19/trump-ballroom-east-wing-media-tour |
| Publication time | Tue, 19 May 2026 22:24:22 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-19T22:29:58.335Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-19T22:37:52.795Z |
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Donald Trump speaks to the media at the White House ballroom construction site, on 19 May 2026 in Washington DC. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenDonald Trump speaks to the media at the White House ballroom construction site, on 19 May 2026 in Washington DC. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesDonald TrumpTrump leads media tour of ballroom building site as Congress balks at $1bn price tagPresident says $400m building costs to be funded by private donors, but has asked for taxpayers to cover security costsAssociated PressTue 19 May 2026 18.24 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleShouting over the banging and clanging sounds from heavy construction equipment, Donald Trump on Tuesday gave a group of reporters a closer look at the construction for the…
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