A United States Senate official has rejected a bid to include security-related funding for President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom project in a major spending package, handing Democrats an early procedural victory.
The Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, ruled on Saturday that the provision could not be included under the chamber’s budget rules after Democrats objected to its inclusion, arguing that security funds should not be tied to the project.
The proposal was part of a broader Republican-backed spending bill aimed at funding immigration enforcement under the Department of Homeland Security.
It also contained a $1bn allocation linked to security upgrades connected to an overhaul of the East Wing of the White House, where Trump’s planned ballroom would be located.
Trump has insisted the $400m ballroom project will be financed through private donations, while Republicans had sought to redirect a portion of taxpayer-funded security money toward related construction and protective upgrades.
The push gained momentum after a shooting incident at a gala attended by Trump in April at a hotel, which Republican lawmakers cited as justification for increased security spending.
The parliamentarian found the provision out of order under the Byrd Rule, which restricts the inclusion of unrelated policy items in reconciliation bills.
According to Democratic sources, the ruling concluded the measure extended beyond the jurisdiction of the Senate Judiciary Committee and violated procedural requirements meant to keep such bills strictly budget-focused.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer welcomed the decision, writing on X, “Republicans tried to make taxpayers foot the bill for Trump’s billion-dollar ballroom. Senate Democrats fought back — and blew up their first attempt.”
He added,”Now Ballroom Republicans say they’re going back to the drawing board to try again. And Senate Democrats will be ready to stop them again.”
Schumer further stated, “Americans don’t want a ballroom. They don’t need a ballroom. And they sure as hell should not be forced to pay for one.”
Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon said Democrats expect Republicans to revise and resubmit the proposal, suggesting it may be adjusted to align more closely with Trump’s preferences.
“Redraft. Refine. Resubmit. None of this is abnormal during a Byrd process,” said Ryan Wrasse, spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Outside the Capitol dispute, preservation advocates including the National Trust for Historic Preservation have challenged the administration’s plans, arguing that demolition and construction work on the East Wing requires proper congressional approval.
However, an appeals court ruled earlier this year that both underground and above-ground construction could proceed.
Work on the project has already altered parts of the historic complex, with construction crews demolishing sections of the East Wing in October as Trump advanced plans for what he described as “the finest ballroom of its kind, anywhere in the world”.
The ballroom plan is part of a wider series of changes Trump has made to federal landmarks and White House aesthetics, including gold detailing in the Oval Office, changes to the Rose Garden inspired by his Mar-a-Lago estate, and proposals to rename or rebrand major Washington institutions.
