Senate Republicans left a closed-door briefing on Trump's White House ballroom project Tuesday without consensus on whether to fund it with $1 billion in taxpayer money, creating a rare crack in the party's unified support for the president's agenda.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran outlined how the funds would be distributed during a private lunch with GOP senators. The breakdown, obtained by NBC News, allocates $220 million to harden the White House complex, $180 million for a visitors screening facility, and $175 million each for training and enhanced protection for Secret Service personnel.
The ballroom provision sits inside a broader party-line bill to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol, a must-pass measure for Republican leadership. But the proposed spending already shows signs of becoming a liability that could cost votes.
"I still got some more questions, and they're going to send us more information," said Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas, typically a reliable Trump supporter. "I'm undecided." Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana signaled deeper reservations, saying he maintains "a lot" of questions about the spending plan and noting that adding to the deficit remains "one of the biggest concerns on our side."
Democrats seized on the vulnerability immediately. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer declared the project "a disgrace" and challenged Republicans to stand against what he framed as a vanity project. A Washington Post-ABC poll from late April found voters opposed the plan by a 2-to-1 margin, with respondents skeptical about tearing down the White House East Wing to construct a 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
Three Republicans facing tough re-election campaigns drew particular scrutiny. Susan Collins of Maine, who noted she understood the original plan involved private donations, declined to clarify her position after the briefing. Jon Husted of Ohio, appointed last year and running for his first full term against Democrat Sherrod Brown, said there were "a lot of facts" he still needed to learn. Dan Sullivan of Alaska's office did not respond to requests for comment.
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky argued the project should rely entirely on private funds, as Trump initially promised. Trump has said the ballroom would cost $400 million and be financed through private donations, though the current proposal seeks significantly more from taxpayers.
The math works against Democrats for a full repeal. Republicans can afford to lose only three votes on any amendment while still protecting the provision under reconciliation rules. But if the provision clears a parliamentary challenge on budget compliance, Democrats would need at least four GOP defectors to strip it out entirely.
Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin acknowledged "some real security spending in there, which I favor," but suggested the bill could include more specificity about expenditures. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who isn't running for re-election, questioned the "timing and optics" of the proposal and deferred to colleagues "in cycle and tough races" on whether to support amendments.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune predicted the ballroom funding would survive the coming Byrd bath, a procedural review where the Senate parliamentarian strikes provisions that violate budget rules. "I'm confident that we will be in good shape, but that process right now is underway," Thune told reporters.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "A billion dollars for a ballroom while Republicans claim fiscal restraint is a political trap that could actually blow up this bill if four GOP senators decide their re-election odds matter more than party loyalty."
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