President Donald Trump tours the ballroom construction outside the White House last month
US President Donald Trump’s controversial ballroom project is now expected to cost up to $600 million, much higher than his previous estimates, with more than half of the funding likely to come from taxpayers.According to the Washington Post, the estimated cost of the project has risen to $600 million, more than half of which is expected to come from government-funded sources. Internal funding plans reportedly showed $293 million from private donors, while the remainder would be drawn from the U.S. Secret Service, the White House Military Office and Executive Residences — all funded by taxpayers.Although Trump has repeatedly said the hall will be funded by private donors, including himself, he has called the project “taxpayer exempt.”
When he first proposed the hall, he estimated its cost at $200 million, later revising that figure to $400 million.The report also said the administration had already approved multiple payments worth tens of millions of dollars in public funds to the contractor before Trump publicly reiterated that the project would not rely on taxpayer money.In response to the report, the White House said, “President Trump and generous American patriots are funding the hall to the tune of approximately $400 million.”
Trump said during a tour of the construction site last month: “This is a gift to the United States of America.” “This is all my money and my donors’ money. This is tax deductible.”The auditorium project, a key part of Trump’s efforts to reshape Washington, began after the demolition of the historic East Wing of the White House last year. Trump said the White House needs a larger space to hold state dinners and major events.The ballroom, built by Virginia-based Clark Construction, replaced the historic east wing after it was demolished last year.
The White House said the project serves a security purpose in addition to providing a larger venue for official events.White House spokesman Davis Engel said the project is “closely tied to the President’s security, the White House grounds, and some security infrastructure assets.” He added that the hall would provide “a safe and appropriate place for presidents for generations to come,” The Hill reported.The project also sparked a legal dispute. A judge ruled in March that above-ground construction must stop, though that order is currently on hold pending appeal. The administration said security concerns, including an attempted armed break-in during a dinner party last April, increased the need 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 Trust for the National Mall. Critics have questioned the use of public funds and the involvement of companies that own or are seeking federal contracts.
