White House ballroom

Trump and Xi Jinping both pursue grand urban projects with traditional architectural styles, but face challenges like environmental issues, political opposition, and public skepticism. Trump's $1 billion DC projects and Xi's $100 billion Xiong’an New Area initiative encounter legal disputes, criticism, and practical problems such as algae in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and flood risks in Xiong’an.

President Donald Trump’s renovations in Washington, DC, including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, have sparked debate over their cost to taxpayers, with some criticizing the projects as excessive and others defending them as necessary maintenance. The Trump administration has undertaken numerous construction projects, potentially costing over $1 billion, with critics alleging favoritism toward contractors and defenders citing long-neglected repairs.

The Trump administration's Justice Department argued that courts cannot halt the White House ballroom construction, even if illegal, by comparing it to a hypothetical scenario of demolishing the Statue of Liberty. A federal appeals court panel expressed skepticism about the administration's claim of immunity from legal challenges due to national security and project progress.

The Trump administration is arguing in a federal appeals court that it has authority to build the White House ballroom without further Congressional approval. The court has allowed construction to proceed pending its ruling on the project's legality.

The U.S. Senate is debating nearly $70 billion in funding for immigration enforcement and deportation activities, including ICE and Border Patrol, through the end of President Trump’s term. Republicans blocked amendments to restrict a DOJ 'anti-weaponization' fund and a White House ballroom proposal, with bipartisan support for some amendments but procedural objections halting others.

Six Republican senators voted with Democrats to support an amendment blocking construction of President Trump’s 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom unless Congress authorizes the project. The amendment would require congressional approval for the ballroom and prohibit federal or private funds for its construction.

Senate Republicans removed $1bn for Trump's new White House ballroom. The immigration agencies funding bill was delayed due to opposition to Trump's 'anti-weaponisation fund'.

Senate Republicans abandoned a $1bn plan to fund security upgrades for Donald Trump’s White House ballroom after concerns it could threaten $70bn in funding for immigration enforcement. The Senate judiciary committee had previously included ballroom security funding in a broader measure authorizing $70bn for agencies involved in Trump’s deportation campaign.

Senate Republicans abandoned a $1bn proposal to fund security upgrades for Donald Trump’s White House ballroom, citing concerns it could undermine $70bn in immigration enforcement funding. The Senate judiciary committee had previously included the ballroom security funding in a broader bill authorizing immigration-related spending.

Senate Republicans removed a provision allocating up to $1 billion for security upgrades to a proposed White House ballroom from a revised budget reconciliation bill. The decision was made before the Memorial Day recess, with the ballroom described as 90,000 square feet and linked to President Trump.

Speaker Mike Johnson stated the Anti-Weaponization Fund and White House ballroom security funding are excluded from the GOP's immigration bill. The DOJ has set aside the fund pending a court order, but some Senate Republicans seek further clarity. Johnson met with Donald Trump to discuss the fund's viability amid opposition from House Republicans.

President Trump shared mock-up images of a proposed drone port atop the White House ballroom and criticized Judge Richard Leon and a lawsuit seeking to delay its construction. The project is part of Trump's plans for the White House ballroom, which he highlighted over the weekend.

President Donald Trump criticizes Judge Richard Leon for blocking the White House ballroom and drone base construction, calling a lawsuit against the project 'ridiculous' and a national security threat. The Justice Department supports the project, urging the court to lift an injunction, while Leon previously ruled Trump lacked authority to build the ballroom without congressional approval.

President Donald Trump criticized U.S. District Judge Richard Leon for blocking construction of a $400 million White House ballroom and rooftop drone base, calling a lawsuit against the project 'ridiculous' and a threat to national security. The Justice Department urged Leon to lift an injunction halting parts of the project, citing recent security threats.

Democratic lawmakers argue the Trump administration must obtain explicit Congressional approval before continuing construction on the White House ballroom. The administration is currently proceeding with the project without such consent.

Senate Republicans are considering ousting parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough after she ruled against a $1 billion funding proposal for the White House ballroom, a decision that angered President Trump and sparked internal GOP debate over Senate procedures.

The Trump administration argues a recent shooting near the White House validates the need for a new ballroom with enhanced security features. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche opposes a court order halting construction, citing safety concerns following two attacks this month. The project, funded by private donors according to Trump, faces opposition over costs and historical preservation.

The Trump administration cited a recent shooting near the White House to justify the construction of a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom with enhanced security features, including a drone-proof roof and ballistic glass. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche opposed a court order halting the project, arguing it is critical for national security, while funding remains contentious due to skepticism over taxpayer use.

The Trump administration cites a recent shooting near the White House as justification for constructing a secure ballroom as part of the East Wing Project. The proposed ballroom includes features like a drone-proof roof and bullet-resistant glass. A federal court temporarily halted above-ground construction, but the administration opposes the order, arguing the facility is critical for national security.

The Trump administration cited a recent shooting near the White House to justify the construction of a new secure ballroom in the East Wing, emphasizing features like drone-proof and bulletproof materials. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche opposed a court order halting construction, arguing the project is critical for national security. The ballroom, part of a $1 billion Secret Service funding proposal, faces opposition over taxpayer use, though Trump claims private donors will cover costs.

The Trump administration argues a recent White House shooting underscores the need for a new secure ballroom with advanced security features. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche opposes a court order halting construction, citing national security, while Senate Republicans question funding. The project faces legal challenges from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Trump administration has renewed its petition to fund a White House ballroom project, seeking nearly $1 billion in taxpayer funds. The administration cited security concerns as a justification, referencing a nearby shooting.

President Trump thanked the Secret Service for neutralizing an armed man who shot at officers outside the White House and reiterated his support for constructing a new White House ballroom. The incident occurred on Saturday, prompting Trump to highlight the need for enhanced security measures.

President Trump defended the construction of the White House ballroom, stating it was paid for by himself and considered a gift to taxpayers. The comments were made during an impromptu tour of the construction site. Trump emphasized that taxpayers would not be paying for the project.

Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary supports President Trump's White House ballroom plan, calling it bipartisan and essential for showcasing the 'American Dream.' The project, opposed by some Democrats, is linked to security concerns following a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and faces legal hurdles, including a court-ordered injunction. Congressional Republicans propose funding it via customs fees, while Trump claims private financing.

Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary supports President Trump’s plan for a White House ballroom, citing its bipartisan potential and role in promoting the 'American Dream,' despite security concerns following the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting. Republicans propose funding the $400 million project via customs fees, while construction remains halted by a court injunction. The suspect in the shooting, Cole Allen, faces charges of attempting to assassinate Trump.

Far-left podcaster Joy Reid speculated that the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner shooting might have been staged, linking it to President Donald Trump’s push for a White House ballroom. The incident involved an armed assailant, Cole Allen, who was apprehended, and led to Trump’s evacuation. Reid referenced a reported Russian plot to stage an assassination against Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a precedent, while a White House spokesperson dismissed her claims as baseless.

Senate Republicans, including Lindsey Graham and Katie Britt, propose a $400 million funding plan for President Trump's White House ballroom using customs fees on imports, citing a recent assassination attempt at the Washington Hilton as urgency. Democrats like Tim Kaine and Jacky Rosen express skepticism, questioning the necessity and process of the funding request.

Senate Republicans, including Lindsey Graham, Katie Britt, and Eric Schmitt, plan to introduce a $400 million funding bill for President Trump's White House ballroom, citing security concerns after a recent assassination attempt at the Washington Hilton. The project's cost has risen from $100 million to $400 million, and the legislation would use customs fees on imports to cover it. Democrats express skepticism, with some calling for more investigation into the security incident and others questioning the need for the ballroom.

Senate Republicans are resisting a proposal to fund President Trump's 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom due to concerns over taxpayer costs and political risks amid current economic anxieties. While GOP lawmakers generally support Trump, they view the initiative as a poor political strategy in the present climate.

Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) criticized efforts to fund President Trump’s White House ballroom, arguing that her constituents in Delaware and across the U.S. are struggling with unaffordable groceries and utility bills. She questioned the priority of spending taxpayer money on a ballroom while basic needs remain unmet.

Rep. Rob Menendez (D-N.J.) criticized Republicans for pushing to use taxpayer funds to build the White House ballroom, accusing them of prioritizing President Trump's interests over public needs.

The Justice Department (DOJ) filed a motion asking a federal judge to dissolve restrictions on the White House ballroom, following a weekend shooting at the Washington Hilton. Judge Richard Leon had previously limited the project to 'below-ground construction' amid a lawsuit, rejecting the administration's security claims.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has petitioned a federal judge to reverse their prior decision blocking the construction of the White House ballroom, following the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting. The request seeks to resume the project despite the judge's earlier halt.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett posted conflicting messages about the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, with some condemning political violence and others questioning if assassination attempts against Trump were staged. The shooter, Cole Tomas Allen, was charged with attempting to assassinate the president and other offenses. Trump and other attendees were evacuated, and the incident has reignited debate over the proposed White House ballroom.

Congressional Republicans are divided over allocating taxpayer funds to construct a ballroom at Trump's proposed White House project. The debate highlights concerns about public spending, with construction equipment already on-site.

Senate Republicans led by Sen. Lindsey Graham are pushing a bill to authorize $400 million for constructing a secure 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House, citing national security concerns following a recent attempted security breach.

The National Trust has decided to continue its lawsuit against President Donald Trump's proposed $400 million White House ballroom despite a request from the Department of Justice. Preservationists argue the project threatens historical integrity.

Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) defied Democratic leadership to support President Donald Trump's push for a White House ballroom after a near-shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. The Justice Department urged the National Trust for Historic Preservation to drop its legal challenge against the ballroom project, citing security risks for the president.

President Trump is leveraging the recent shooting at the Correspondents' dinner to advocate for renovations in the White House ballroom. Meanwhile, an excavator is shown on rubble following the demolition of the East Wing of the White House on October 28, 2025.