Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized President Donald Trump over the reported $900 million White House ballroom project, arguing the administration should focus more on easing financial pressures facing Americans.
Trump Ballroom Project Draws Schumer’s Criticism
On Wednesday, in a post on X, Schumer contrasted the cost of the White House project with a lack of action to reduce household expenses.
"As inflation continues to spiral out of control and gas prices remain well above $4, this is how Donald Trump is spending your taxpayer dollars," he wrote.
He added, "$900 million for a gilded ballroom at the White House. $0 to lower your costs."
"The Trump White House in a nutshell," Schumer said.
As inflation continues to spiral out of control and gas prices remain well above $4, this is how Donald Trump is spending your taxpayer dollars.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 12, 2026
$900 million for a gilded ballroom at the White House. $0 to lower your costs.
The Trump White House in a nutshell. https://t.co/cEUdJ0WNjy
Democrats Criticize White House Spending
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said the administration’s $900 million White House projects come as Americans struggle with higher costs, describing the spending as "vanity projects."
While Americans are struggling to afford gas, groceries, and other basic necessities, Trump is blowing $900 million — much of it taxpayer-funded — on vanity projects at the White House. pic.twitter.com/fyU06dieiD
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) August 12, 2026
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) called the spending wasteful and abusive, arguing taxpayer money is being used for a "vanity project" while Americans face financial pressures.
As most Americans are struggling to make ends meet, Trump is spending $900 million of YOUR taxpayer dollars for yet another personal vanity project.
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) August 12, 2026
⁰Talk about waste, fraud, and abuse – when will Republicans stand up for their constituents against this boondoggle?… pic.twitter.com/7syuBEmgOV
White House Construction Costs
The Trump administration had planned at least $927 million in White House construction projects, including a $600 million East Wing ballroom, helipad, visitor center and other upgrades, reported The Washington Post.
The administration had shifted about $875 million into a White House maintenance account, including hundreds of millions from the Secret Service and White House Military Office, while also receiving private donations.
The move raised concerns because Congress had not directly approved much of the spending.
A federal appeals court ruled that Congress had to approve the ballroom project, saying the president could not independently authorize such major construction. Trump planned to appeal the ruling.
Trump’s White House Projects Face Setbacks
Earlier, Trump’s proposed $400 million White House ballroom has faced legal and funding setbacks. A federal appeals court blocked above-ground construction, ruling that congressional approval was required.
Trump called the decision a national security threat and vowed to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, Trump ordered crews to redo portions of the new White House granite helipad after objecting to its appearance.
The helipad is intended to support safer Marine One landings and protect the South Lawn.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com
