No Taxpayer Money for Trump's White House Ballroom
While federal government funding remains a subject of significant public debate, some lawmakers are advancing proposals to direct hundreds of millions — potentially up to $1 billion — in taxpayer dollars toward a ballroom construction project at the White House's historic East Wing. The project has so far been financed through private donations, some from individuals and entities with government contracts or other financial ties to the administration. Ethics watchdogs and legal experts have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, and a federal court has issued an order to halt construction.
Rather than address those legal and ethical concerns, some in Congress are seeking to fund the project through public appropriations. Proposals under consideration would direct anywhere from $400 million to $1 billion in federal funds toward the renovation, framed as 'security' improvements. The Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees have included $1 billion for these features in the current budget reconciliation bill, expected to go through committee markups the week of May 11th before a full Senate vote. While the bill's text states funds cannot be used for construction, the administration has characterized the entire East Wing renovation as a 'security' project — a distinction that raises legitimate questions about how the funds would ultimately be used.
At a time when many federal programs remain underfunded, directing taxpayer money toward a White House ballroom project that carries unresolved legal and ethical questions is a matter of serious public concern. Urge your representatives to reject any federal funding for this project.
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Live Call Script
Hello, I am an assistant calling on behalf of a constituent, {{first_name}} {{last_name}} from {{city}}, {{state}} zip code {{zip_code}}. I'm reaching out today to urge {{representative_name}} to oppose any federal funding for the White House East Wing ballroom project — whether included in the current budget reconciliation bill or proposed as standalone legislation. This project has raised significant legal and ethics concerns, and with many critical government programs underfunded, taxpayer dollars should be directed toward services that serve the broader public interest. Please take a clear stand against this spending.
Voicemail Version
I am calling on behalf of {{first_name}} {{last_name}}, a constituent from {{city}}, {{state}} {{zip_code}}. I'm urging {{representative_name}} to oppose all federal funding for the White House East Wing ballroom project. This represents a potentially wasteful use of taxpayer money and has been linked to serious ethics and legal concerns. Please vote no on any bill — including the current budget reconciliation package — that includes this funding. You may contact me at {{phone_number}} to discuss further.