Federal funding for Trump's ballroom in jeopardy after Senate ruling

A U.S. Senate official on Saturday removed security funding that could be used for President Donald Trump's planned $400 million White House ballroom from a massive spending package, Democratic lawmakers said, imperiling Republican efforts to devote taxpayer money to the contentious project.



The decision by the Senate's parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, deals a blow to Trump and his administration, which has sought the money for security purposes related to the ballroom.



Trump has said construction of the ballroom will be funded by private donors. But Senate Republicans are seeking $1 billion in taxpayer funding to the Secret Service for security upgrades, including the ballroom.



The parliamentarian interprets Senate rules including whether legislative provisions are permitted.



Trump's fellow Republicans control the Senate, and they still could revise the legislation to try to gain the parliamentarian's approval.



If they do not succeed, they may be unable to include the ballroom-related funding in a $72 billion spending package they plan to bring to a vote on the Senate floor, with passage expected on a party-line vote with Democrats opposed.



The bulk of the legislation is devoted to immigration enforcement.