Lindsey Graham Wants Taxpayers to Fund $400M Trump Ballroom, Paul Plan Called “A Fraudulent Shell Game”

MAGA-aligned U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Katie Britt (R-AL) are introducing legislation to spend $400 million in taxpayer funds to build a ballroom in place of the demolished East Wing of the White House. The plan calls for federal funds to replace what President Trump has said in the past would be privately funded by donations.

As seen below at a press conference, Graham said of the ballroom: “Underneath there will be a lot of military stuff. There will be a secret service annex.” Graham added that the project will be “offset with customs fees” and “private donations can be used, but I think they should be used to buy china and stuff like that.” 

Graham echoed the Trump administration’s justification of ballroom expenditure by citing “national security,” saying “the ballroom itself will avoid the dilemma of having to leave the White House grounds for future presidents, and this president, to go downtown and in a place that’s less secure.”

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), who considers himself a fiscal conservative, supports the ballroom proposal. Paul, however, is proposing another piece of legislation. He wrote: “As Chairman of HSGAC and a member of the National Capital Planning Commission, I’ve reviewed the White House ballroom proposal and support moving it forward. Tomorrow, I’ll bring my bill to the floor that allows it to proceed without new taxpayer costs and make it easier for Congress to review major White House projects going forward.” 

Trump critic Ron Filipkowski, editor-in-chief of MeidasTouch Network, replied to Paul: “And where is the $400 million that you will be taking from ‘customs duties’ going now? Don’t make this a fraudulent shell game. Explain to us how that will not cost taxpayers any money OR increase the deficit by pulling money out of the treasury from sources like customs. Since you are a principled fiscal conservative, I’m sure you will make this clear.”