- Donald Trump publicly stated his White House ballroom project would cost $400 million and be funded entirely by private donations, claiming no taxpayer money would be used.
- However, internal cost estimates from the contractor, Clark Construction, indicated the project was expected to reach $600 million, with at least half projected to come from public funds.
- Records consistently showed that significant contributions from taxpayer-funded sources, including the White House Military Office and the Secret Service, were anticipated for the project.
- Despite earlier assurances, Trump later conceded that taxpayers would cover some security-related expenses for the ballroom.
- Legislation to provide $400 million in public funding for the ballroom was defeated by Democrats and some Republicans, who cited Trump's commitment to private financing.
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