GOP Senators Push White House $400M Ballroom Plan Following Security Scare
Source: The Hill, Alexander Bolton
Photo: Rendering of White House Ballroom
Members of Congress are split on using taxpayer funds to build Trump’s ballroom
A group of Senate Republicans, led by Lindsey Graham, is advocating for legislation to build a large, highly secure ballroom on the White House grounds, arguing the project has taken on new urgency after a weekend security incident.
The proposal calls for a roughly 90,000-square-foot venue designed to host major events in a more controlled environment. Supporters say the facility would also include underground infrastructure tied to national security, such as additional space for the U.S. Secret Service.
Backers of the bill contend that the project could be financed without directly increasing taxpayer burden, pointing to revenue from national park entry fees and customs-related charges as potential funding sources.
Graham said the idea is rooted in growing concerns about safety when high-ranking officials gather in one place. He noted that at a recent White House Correspondents’ dinner, attended by Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, an armed individual attempted to force entry before being stopped by security personnel.
According to Graham, the incident highlights the risks associated with hosting large, high-profile gatherings outside a fully secured presidential facility. He argued that a dedicated event space on White House grounds could reduce those vulnerabilities.
The effort is being advanced alongside Senators Katie Britt and Eric Schmitt, who support pairing the ballroom with a subterranean complex for emergency use. Schmitt emphasized that the funding model would rely in part on offsetting costs through existing government fee structures, while leaving room for private contributions for non-essential elements.
Graham also said he has discussed the concept directly with Trump, describing the former president as consistently interested in the idea of adding a formal event space to the White House. The proposal, he added, has been a recurring topic in their conversations.
Supporters suggest the ballroom could serve not only domestic functions but also formal state occasions, such as visits from foreign dignitaries, including figures like King Charles III.
Following the weekend incident, Trump publicly pointed to the need for enhanced facilities, saying the situation underscored gaps in current arrangements for hosting large events.
Graham indicated he plans to urge Senate Majority Leader John Thune to fast-track the legislation for consideration on the Senate floor.
Reaction from Democrats has been mixed. Senator John Fetterman signaled openness to the idea and encouraged colleagues to reconsider outright opposition. Others remain skeptical.
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin said he is not prepared to support the measure at this stage, citing unanswered questions about cost, size, and funding structure. He also raised concerns about whether the proposed venue would meet the scale of existing event spaces traditionally used for such gatherings.
For now, the proposal appears to be in its early stages, with key details still under debate as lawmakers weigh security concerns against cost and practicality.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5852036-gop-senators-white-house-ballroom-bill