Senate Parliamentarian Removes Trump White House Ballroom Security Funding from Spending Package

WASHINGTON — The Senate parliamentarian on Saturday ruled that $1 billion in proposed security funding tied to President Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom cannot be included in a $72 billion immigration enforcement spending package, dealing a setback to Republican efforts to advance the money through budget reconciliation.

Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough determined the provision failed to comply with the Byrd Rule, which governs what can be included in reconciliation bills that pass with a simple majority and avoid the 60-vote filibuster threshold. Democrats argued the funding was extraneous to the core immigration purpose of the bill.

The proposal would have directed the money to the Secret Service for “security adjustments and upgrades” related to the East Wing modernization project, including the new ballroom. Trump has maintained that construction of the ballroom itself would be funded privately at around $400 million, while the $1 billion request covered above- and below-ground security enhancements such as blast-resistant features, drone detection, and other protective measures for the expanded White House complex.

Republicans had slipped the funding into the larger package to help pay for Secret Service needs amid heightened threats. Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office has not yet commented on next steps. Republicans may attempt technical adjustments or try to include a revised version, but the parliamentarian’s ruling significantly complicates inclusion before the planned floor vote.

Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, celebrated the decision as a victory against what they called a wasteful and self-serving project. Republicans countered that the funds are necessary for presidential security in a dangerous environment and not primarily for the ballroom’s construction.

The East Wing renovation has drawn controversy since demolition began last year without full congressional approval. The ballroom project has become a flashpoint, with critics questioning the use of taxpayer dollars for security upgrades on what they describe as a personal luxury addition.

It remains unclear whether Republicans will try to restore any portion of the funding in a separate vehicle or revised reconciliation language. The broader spending package continues to move forward on immigration enforcement priorities.