Republicans uncertain over giving Trump a billion dollars of our money after he swore donors would foot the bill

[Miles Archer]

May 12, 2026, 5:28 PM EDT
By Sahil Kapur, Brennan Leach and Frank Thorp V

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/republicans-1-billion-price-tag-trump-white-house-ballroom-project-rcna344721

WASHINGTON — After they got a private briefing Tuesday, Senate Republicans remained torn over whether to spend $1 billion in taxpayer funds on Trump’s ballroom project.

Inside the closed-door lunch meeting, Secret Service Director Sean Curran briefed senators on how the money would be spent.

“He walked through the various categories,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters. “So it was a good back-and-forth, a good discussion, and obviously we had a lot of questions that were asked by our colleagues, just to get the details and precision as much as possible about how dollars will be used.”

A memo circulated to senators, obtained by NBC News, provided some of those specifics: $220 million to harden the White House complex, $180 million for a visitors screening facility, $175 million for training and another $175 million to enhance security for Secret Service protectees.

Some GOP senators emerged from the meeting unconvinced or at least wanting more information before they decide.

[Deuxcents]

1. How senators can "remain torn" about taxpayers footing a billion dollars for a ballroom is baffling to me

[Miles Archer]

2. That one's easy. They're "torn" over whether they can survive the Midterms if they give it to him

There's no moral dilemma here, only career self-preservation.

[BlueTsunami2018]

3. They're going to do it.

All the “hemming and hawing” is bullshit.

[Miles Archer]

4. I think you're right.

They probably see it as their last chance to really rob the bank for Herr Fuhrer before the midterms.