The Trump administration is using taxpayer funds to pay for millions of dollars in security upgrades tied to a new White House ballroom. The ballroom itself is being funded by private donations, according to the White House.
Security changes include enhanced perimeter barriers, surveillance systems, and other protective measures. The Secret Service reallocated funds from its existing budget to cover the costs.
The ballroom construction, a pet project of the Trump family, is part of a broader renovation of the White House complex. Private donors have contributed to the project, but the security upgrades fall under government responsibility.
The diverted funds come from the Secret Service’s operational budget, which had been earmarked for other security priorities. The move has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and budget watchdogs.
Critics argue that using taxpayer money for security directly tied to a privately funded project blurs ethical lines. The administration maintains that all security upgrades are necessary regardless of the ballroom’s funding source.
Documents show the Secret Service redirected more than $3 million from other security programs to accommodate the ballroom-related work. The agency declined to specify which programs lost funding.
The ballroom is expected to host official events and private receptions for the Trump family. Construction began earlier this year and is slated to finish before the next winter holiday season.
The White House press office did not respond to requests for additional comment on the budget reallocation. The Secret Service said it follows standard protocols for security upgrades tied to White House renovations.
