President Donald Trump sought $1 billion in taxpayer-backed security funds for his new White House ballroom—a project he previously pledged to finance privately—after the Senate parliamentarian ruled that the provision could not pass through budget reconciliation without a 60-vote threshold. The decision prompted immediate backlash within the Republican Party, with Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana stating the funding was “out” by Wednesday evening.
Elizabeth MacDonough, the Senate’s parliamentarian, advised that a security funding provision in Republicans’ immigration enforcement bill would require 60 votes under the Byrd Rule to pass reconciliation. This effectively stripped the provision from budget reconciliation’s simple-majority protection. The rule applies because the provision ties federal funds to Trump’s proposed military facility.
Trump had initially claimed the ballroom project would be fully privately funded through “patriot donors,” but Republicans later sought $1 billion in federal security spending tied to the facility. The White House project, which includes a 90,000-square-foot space and complex military functions, has already seen the old East Wing demolished.
By Wednesday, Republican lawmakers abandoned the funding proposal, with Kennedy stating they were told the money was out without reviewing the text. Trump warned Republicans that those who did not act quickly would face job losses: “Get smart and tough Republicans, or you’ll all be looking for a job much sooner than you thought possible!”
The dispute highlights growing tensions over Senate rules. Trump has called for ending the filibuster to expedite legislation, including the SAVE Act—a bill he describes as critical but which critics argue would create a national ID system. He warned that Democrats would “eliminate the Filibuster on the First Day” they get an opportunity and that without swift action, Republicans would not have a president for years.
