Funding that could support Donald Trump’s planned White House ballroom is in jeopardy after a ruling by a U.S. Senate official, according to multiple outlets. The decision comes from the Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, who removes security-related funding that Democrats say could be used for the project from a larger spending package. Democrats have criticised the ballroom as costly and frivolous, arguing it is an improper use of taxpayer money as Americans face rising everyday expenses, including higher fuel prices.
Several reports say the parliamentarian’s intervention applies because the ballroom proposal is not properly within the jurisdiction of the committee that would normally handle such measures. MSNBC reports that the parliamentarian says the proposal “inappropriately funds activities outside the jurisdiction” of the appropriate committee.
Taken together, the articles describe a procedural Senate ruling that limits what can be funded through the package, creating uncertainty for efforts by Republicans to redirect federal funds toward the planned ballroom. The outcome depends on whether alternative legislative approaches are pursued after the ruling.
