Trump spurns allies and sides with Rand Paul on White House ballroom bill
President Donald Trump is backing a bill from Senator Rand Paul to expedite construction of a White House ballroom without using taxpayer funds, distancing himself from a $400 million Republican proposal that would use federal money. Trump has maintained the project will be privately funded and framed it as a national security necessity following a recent assassination attempt. The White House ballroom, estimated to cost up to $400 million, includes a below-ground bunker and is supported by donations from major firms. Legal challenges from the National Trust for Historic Preservation continue, despite Justice Department efforts to lift a construction injunction.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
President Donald Trump appears to be rejecting offers from reliable allies and is instead lining up behind a bill from frequent critic Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) to expedite the construction of his White House ballroom. On Monday, Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) announced plans to introduce legislation that would funnel $400 million in federal funds toward Trump’s ballroom, despite the president’s frequent reassurances that the construction project would be entirely privately funded.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Washington Examiner.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Washington Examiner
