Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
21 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

Orrex

(67,093 posts)
8. Interesting that we've been assured for weeks that Dems were already doing everything possible
Thu Oct 23, 2025, 12:00 AM
Oct 2025

Qutzupalotl

(15,815 posts)
18. $20B is public money Trump stole.
Thu Oct 23, 2025, 05:19 PM
Oct 2025

The other $20B is “allegedly” private money.

All of it goes to waste propping up an unstable country with a wingnut leader who flatters Trump.

If this continues — and no one is stopping him yet — the dollar plummets.

calimary

(89,953 posts)
6. I'm thinking he won't be able to enjoy his lavish new ballroom.
Wed Oct 22, 2025, 11:47 PM
Oct 2025

I can’t help but suspect it’ll take longer to finish (up to his kingly expectations and demands) than he has time remaining in this term.

BaronChocula

(4,534 posts)
7. It just doesn't seem to matter
Wed Oct 22, 2025, 11:53 PM
Oct 2025

You can keep pointing this out until your pointer is a nub, but enough white Americans always seem to have just enough deference to white nationalism rather than to practical long-term policy.

We could very well win in 2026, but it shouldn't take an economic catastrophe, pandemic, or the two combined to keep a republican from winning in 2028.

Melon

(1,521 posts)
9. I think the ballroom is a difficult argument with private funds
Thu Oct 23, 2025, 12:05 AM
Oct 2025

It’s been publicized and Trump has stated repeatedly that the ballroom is being funded privately through donations and his monies. If we put forth easily refuted arguments, it undermines the total credibility. I like sticking to health care and social security.

Melon

(1,521 posts)
12. The arguments we can somehow afford xxx but not afford xxxx
Thu Oct 23, 2025, 01:25 AM
Oct 2025

The argument isn’t corruption. It’s that we can afford to do one thing and not afford what is important. This argument comes right back in our face. We don’t like the ballroom because of numerous arguments about trump. But taxpayers aren’t paying it. The argument doesn’t work.

iemanja

(57,751 posts)
14. It shows Trump's and the GOP's priorities
Thu Oct 23, 2025, 10:20 AM
Oct 2025

Also, how do we know that no taxpayer funds will pay for the ballroom? It's already going over the expected budget, and Trump's word is meaningless.

Torchlight

(6,792 posts)
15. I don't think the argument is can/cannot afford X?, but rather- do we choose/choose not X and at what expense?
Thu Oct 23, 2025, 10:25 AM
Oct 2025

crud

(1,256 posts)
17. The private donations are bribes
Thu Oct 23, 2025, 12:22 PM
Oct 2025

The million dollar checks he is getting to build it...will be returned 10-100 fold in favorable treatment by the Whitehouse with sweetheart deals, no-bid contract prison construction, weapons procurement, recruiting and training ICE agents, and all other manner of grift and corruption, all paid with taxpayer dollars. The claim that taxpayers are not paying for the ballroom is bullshit.

Not that he will refrain from using taxpayer money to pay for it. He will not use his own money. He will be skimming and stiffing workers just like he always does.

Qutzupalotl

(15,815 posts)
19. Trump is extorting the DoJ for almost the same amount.
Thu Oct 23, 2025, 05:23 PM
Oct 2025

And that most definitely is our tax money.

We only have Trump's word that the ballroom will be paid by private donors, and we know what Trump's word is worth.

Melon

(1,521 posts)
20. Right. But the arguments aren't against
Thu Oct 23, 2025, 09:10 PM
Oct 2025

Fellow democrats. It’s against those that don’t believe and these are all soft feelings reaponses. We don’t trust Trump basically. But that’s up against the published data which is that the taxpayers aren’t paying.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Democratic messaging