Senate Republicans Propose $1B To Secure East Wing Ballroom
PUBLISHED May 5, 2026, 2:28 PM ET
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Washington. Senate Republicans on Monday released a funding package that includes roughly $70 billion to keep immigration agencies operating and a $1 billion earmark for Secret Service security upgrades tied to the White House East Wing "ballroom" project, which President Trump had said would be privately funded. The bill was unveiled after an April 25 shooting at a Washington dinner. United States officials and lawmakers said the $1 billion is designated for perimeter and below-ground protections for the East Wing; the allocation specifically references enhancements by the U.S. Secret Service. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley backed the measure this week, and congressional debate and committee review are expected in coming days.
By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Early 2023: East Wing area demolished to begin the ballroom project.
- 2023 (project unveiling): President Trump described the ballroom as privately funded.
- April 25, 2024: A shooter opened fire at a Washington dinner attended by the president.
- Late Monday, May 2024: Senate Republicans released an immigration package including a $1 billion security earmark.
- May 6, 2024: International outlets reported the proposal and highlighted the funding-versus-private-funding discrepancy.
News Intelligence
- The $1 billion security earmark could impact your tax dollars. It's tied to a project President Trump said would be privately funded. Now, it's part of a larger immigration package. Keep an eye on how this develops.
- Articles Published:
- 4
- Right Leaning:
- 0
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 3
- Distribution:
- Left 25%, Center 75%, Right 0%
The U.S. Secret Service and federal contractors will receive increased federal funding to upgrade perimeter, above-ground, and below-ground security infrastructure at the White House East Wing associated with the ballroom project.
Taxpayers could shoulder costs if federal funds finance security tied to President Trump’s ballroom project, contrary to earlier statements that it would be privately funded.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
US Senate GOP wants $1 billion for security for Trump's ballroom in immigration bill - Now Georgia
Now GeorgiaFrom Center
Senate Republicans Propose $1B To Secure East Wing Ballroom
NBC News Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette english.news.cnFrom Right
No right-leaning sources found for this story.
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