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Trump Redirects Millions From Secret Service Amid White House Construction
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The Trump administration transferred approximately $350 million from the Secret Service budget to fund White House security upgrades, including a luxury ballroom with a secure military bunker underneath.
- Two transfers totaling $351.55 million were made last week, according to the Office of Management and Budget, with the funds designated for security enhancements rather than ballroom construction.
- President Trump has claimed the ballroom would be financed by private donations, but taxpayer money is being used for related security features, including bunker upgrades.
- The project initially aimed to create a grand entertainment space but has increasingly been framed as a national security measure by linking it to the secure bunker beneath the ballroom.
- The White House maintains that the ballroom construction costs are covered by roughly $400 million in private donations, while security-related expenses are funded by taxpayers.
