Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project is facing a new setback after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that Republicans cannot include a $1 billion security funding provision inside a budget bill without meeting stricter Senate rules.
The provision had been attached by GOP lawmakers to a $72 billion Department of Homeland Security package, which would have allowed it to pass with a simple majority under reconciliation rules.
But Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that the measure does not qualify under those rules, meaning Republicans will either have to rewrite it or push it through the normal 60-vote threshold.
The funding request, reportedly tied to security upgrades connected to the controversial ballroom construction project, was said to include a wide range of expenses — from White House hardening and visitor screening systems to Secret Service training, threat response upgrades, and security for national events.
According to documents cited by multiple outlets, the breakdown includes hundreds of millions allocated across different security categories, including $220 million for infrastructure hardening and additional funds for screening facilities, technology upgrades, and protective services.
Democrats sharply criticized the proposal, arguing it reflects misplaced priorities at a time when Americans are facing rising costs of living.
Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon said Democrats would challenge any attempt to move forward with the measure, calling it an example of “chaos and corruption” in spending decisions.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also attacked the proposal, saying Republicans are prioritizing “Trump’s ego over American families” and questioning why taxpayer money should be directed toward what he described as a luxury political project.
Republicans, meanwhile, said they are reviewing the ruling and working on revisions, calling the parliamentarian’s decision a routine part of the budget process rather than a final roadblock.
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