Senate Repeals $1bn Security Pack to Stall Trump’s New White House Ballroom
In a decisive move on Wednesday, Senate Republicans voted to remove a $1bn earmark attached to a long‑stalled immigration funding package. The removed money was earmarked for Secret Service upgrades in support of Donald Trump’s proposal to build a large ballroom on the former site of the White House East Wing.
The decision effectively halts the construction of what has become a political flashpoint. Trump has defended the new venue as essential for hosting official state functions and maintaining modern security provisions. He repeatedly asserted that the cost would be covered by private donations, a claim that has drawn scepticism.
Following the budget’s overhaul, the Senate passed a $72bn immigration bill in a 53‑45 vote. The measure now faces further debate in the chamber, where lawmakers will have the chance to introduce amendments before casting a final vote.
Afterward, the bill will travel to the House of Representatives, and, if adopted there, to President Trump for his signature.
Democrats have long opposed the ballroom plan, citing its high cost and the diversion of federal funds. Removing the security line from the bill is a significant setback for Trump’s ambition, though it remains unclear how this will impact the architectural project itself.
The battle over the “anti‑weaponisation” fund—a proposed $1.8bn reserve to aid those alleged to be harmed by government overreach—has also lingered. The Department of Justice dropped the plan, while Trump hinted that the funding might still exist on legal grounds.
North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis, for example, announced intentions to introduce legislation that would ban the formation of such a fund. Both sides of the aisle have signalled future legislative moves that could further confront the Director of the funding initiative.
For more details on the contested anti‑weaponisation fund, read the BBC report on the subject.
