Secret Service Disbursements Raise Questions on Ballroom Funding

In this Roll Call article, Paul M. Krawzak and Aidan Quigley report that the Office of Management and Budget released $351.6 million to the Secret Service for White House security measures, sparking partisan attacks claiming it could help fund President Trump’s East Wing ballroom renovation despite his pledge for private donations.

• The funds, from a prior $1.17 billion Secret Service appropriation, include $340.8 million for procurement and construction plus $10.75 million for operations, now available immediately for fiscal 2027 purposes shifted to “White House Security Measures.”
• Trump previously stated the ballroom project would cost around $400 million and be fully funded by private donations, not taxpayers.
• A Washington Post report cited a $600 million total estimate from contractor Clark Construction, alleging half from taxpayers, though the exact use of these Secret Service funds for the ballroom remains unclear.
• Democrats like Sen. Patty Murray called it a “corrupt disgrace” and broken promise, while Sen. Chris Murphy accused the administration of “stealing” from taxpayers for Trump’s “lifestyle” and “parties.”
• Republican Sen. Susan Collins stated Trump should stick to private funding for the ballroom, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged some congressional support may be needed specifically for security enhancements.
• Earlier reconciliation efforts included Secret Service funding that could have covered ballroom security but was stripped amid internal GOP opposition.
• The timing of the OMB apportionments has fueled scrutiny, though the administration has not confirmed any direct link to the renovation project.

Read the full story:
https://rollcall.com/2026/06/16/secret-service-disbursements-raise-questions-on-ballroom-funding/