Multiple outlets report that the Trump administration is redirecting a large share of Secret Service funds toward White House security work while construction of a new White House ballroom continues. The transfers are described as totaling about $397 million, with one report specifying $352 million moving from an existing Secret Service-related budget account. The funding shift is linked to congressional approval of a larger Secret Service allocation—reported as $1.2 billion—under legislation described as a “One Big Beautiful Bill” act.
The White House says the ballroom is primarily paid for through private donations, but several reports say administration documents and budget moves indicate taxpayer money is being used for related security upgrades. ABC News and other outlets describe senators as expressing concern and seeking clarification about whether public funds are effectively subsidizing the ballroom rather than only security needs. The Washington Post and The New York Times also report that the scale and timing of the transfers come amid new scrutiny of how much taxpayer support the ballroom project ultimately relies on. Overall, reporting centers on the size of the redirected funds and the resulting questions about the balance between private and public financing for the construction and security components.
