Donald Trump’s White House ballroom cost estimated at $600 million, with taxpayers footing half the bill: report
President Donald Trump’s controversial White House Ballroom project is now expected to cost up to $600 million, far higher than his previous estimates, with more than half of the funding likely to come from taxpayers, according to reports.The project’s estimated cost has climbed to $600 million, more than half of which is expected to come from government funding, The Washington Post reported. Internal funding plans reportedly show $293 million coming from private donors, while the rest will come from the U.S. Secret Service, the White House Military Office and the Executive Mansion — all funded by taxpayers.Still, Trump has repeatedly said the ballroom would be funded by private donors, including himself, and described the project as “at no cost to taxpayers.” When he first proposed building the ballroom, he estimated its cost at $200 million, a figure he later revised to $400 million.The report also said that before Trump publicly reiterated that the project would not rely on taxpayer money, the government had approved multiple payments of tens of millions of dollars in public funds to contractors.In response to the report, the White House said, “President Trump and generous American patriots are providing approximately $400 million in funding for the ballroom.”“This is a gift to the United States of America,” Trump said during a visit to the construction site last month. “It’s all my money and donors’ money. It’s tax-free.”The ballroom project is a key part of Trump’s efforts to reshape Washington and began after the historic East Wing of the White House was demolished last year. Trump has argued that the White House needs a larger venue to host state dinners and major events.The ballroom was built by Virginia-based Clark Construction Company and replaced the historic east wing after it was demolished last year. The White House argued that the project served security purposes in addition to providing a larger venue for official events.White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the project is “inextricably linked to the security of the President, the White House grounds and certain security infrastructure assets.” He added that the ballroom would provide “a safe and appropriate venue for future generations of presidents,” The Hill reported.The project has also sparked legal disputes. A judge ruled in March that above-ground construction should stop, but that order is now on hold pending an appeal. The government argued that security concerns, including an armed break-in at a dinner party in April, increased demand for the new ballroom.It has also faced criticism from lawmakers and ethics watchdogs, especially after several major corporations and wealthy donors pledged support through the National Mall Trust. Critics question the use of public funds and the involvement of companies holding or seeking federal contracts.
