US President Donald Trump’s controversial White House ballroom project is now reportedly expected to cost as much as $600 million, far above his earlier estimates, with more than half of the funding likely to come from taxpayers.According to The Washington Post, the project’s estimated cost has climbed to $600 million, with more than half expected to come from government-funded sources. Internal funding plans reportedly showed $293 million from private donors, while the remaining amount would be drawn from the US Secret Service, the White House Military Office and the Executive Residence — all funded by taxpayers.Although, Trump had repeatedly said the ballroom would be financed by private donors, including himself, and described the project as “tax-payer free.” When he first proposed the ballroom, he estimated its cost at $200 million, later revising that figure to $400 million.The report also said the administration had already approved multiple payments worth tens of millions of dollars in public funds to the contractor before Trump publicly reiterated that the project would not rely on taxpayer money.Responding to the report, the White House said, “President Trump and generous American patriots are funding the ballroom to the tune of approximately $400 million.”“This is a gift to the United States of America,” Trump had said during a tour of the construction site last month. “This is all my money and donors’ money. This is tax free.”The ballroom project, a key part of Trump’s effort to reshape Washington, began after the historic East Wing of the White House was demolished last year. Trump has argued that the White House needs a larger venue for state dinners and major events.The ballroom, being built by Virginia-based Clark Construction, replaced the historic East Wing after its demolition last year. The White House has argued that the project serves a security purpose in addition to providing a larger venue for official events.White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said the project is “inextricably tied to the security of the President, the White House grounds and the certain security infrastructure assets.” He added that the ballroom would provide a “secure and appropriate venue for Presidents for generations to come,” as quoted by The Hill.The project also sparked a legal dispute. A judge ruled in March that above-ground construction should be halted, though that order is currently on hold pending an appeal. The administration has argued that security concerns, including an attempted armed intrusion at a gala dinner in April, have increased the need for the new ballroom.It also faced criticism from lawmakers and ethics watchdogs, particularly after several major corporations and wealthy donors pledged support through the Trust for the National Mall. Critics have questioned both the use of public funds and the involvement of companies that hold or seek federal contracts.
