Several outlets report that the administration’s budget office and related officials are shifting large sums from Secret Service accounts toward White House security needs while construction continues on a planned ballroom. The Washington Post says the budget office redirects $352 million in Secret Service funds to support White House security and describes the shift as unusually large. The New York Times and ABC News similarly report transfers of millions or roughly $397 million, framing them as steps to fund security upgrades tied to White House construction. ABC News adds that senators are scrutinizing the transfers and expressing concern about whether public money is being used for purposes that may extend beyond security.
The administration maintains that private donations are covering the ballroom project, but reports indicate taxpayer funds are also being used for a range of security-related efforts. The Independent reports that internal projections place the ballroom’s overall cost at about $600 million and suggest that roughly half would come from taxpayer dollars. Across accounts, the transfers and the administration’s explanation for how costs are divided are at the center of the controversy and congressional attention.
