Republicans expected to abandon $1B security proposal for White House and Trump’s ballroom
PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-05-21 09:55:00 — www.pbs.org
Senate GOP Leaders Abandon $1 Billion Security Proposal Amid Backlash
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republican leaders are poised to abandon a controversial proposal for $1 billion in security funding for the White House complex and President Donald Trump’s ballroom, following significant backlash from within their own party. The funding was initially intended to be included in a larger $70 billion bill aimed at restoring funding to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol.
Despite pressure from the White House, the security proposal has faced mounting opposition from GOP lawmakers who are questioning the timing, cost, and intended use of taxpayer dollars. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., acknowledged on Wednesday that there are “ongoing vote issues” as leaders assess Republican support for the bill.
Trump’s Claims and Party Frustration
In a recent social media post, Trump referred to the planned ballroom as “a gift” to the U.S., a statement that has drawn skepticism from both Democrats and some Republicans. Critics argue that the focus on funding a ballroom is misplaced, especially as many Americans struggle with rising costs of living. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy expressed this sentiment, stating, “People can’t afford groceries and gasoline and healthcare, and we’re going to do a billion dollars for a ballroom?”
Senator John Kennedy, R-La., remarked that the bill was “back to square one” without the security funding, indicating a lack of support among GOP members. The internal conflict has been exacerbated by Trump’s recent endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, which has left some Republican senators feeling frustrated, as they believe it could jeopardize their majority in the upcoming elections.
Concerns Over Trump’s Settlement Fund
Another contentious issue is the Trump administration’s proposed $1.776 billion settlement fund, designed to compensate allies who claim political persecution. This fund has become a focal point of contention, with several Republican senators expressing reservations. Thune stated that senators have questions about the fund and are looking to ensure it is “fenced in appropriately.”
Democrats have seized on this opportunity, planning to introduce amendments to block the fund or restrict payments to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. This has created a complex legislative environment, as Republicans attempt to navigate a budget process that requires a series of amendment votes.
Trump’s Criticism of Senate Leadership
As tensions rise between Senate Republicans and the White House, Trump has publicly criticized the Senate, urging party members to fire Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough for her ruling that parts of the security proposal cannot remain in the ICE and Border Patrol bill. He has also reiterated calls for the Senate to pass the SAVE Act, which would require all voters to prove U.S. citizenship, and to eliminate the Senate filibuster.
Trump’s statement that Republicans need to “get smart and tough” has not resonated well with Senate leaders, who have historically resisted his calls to eliminate the filibuster, which requires a 60-vote threshold for most legislation.
Secret Service Funding Request Faces Scrutiny
The Secret Service’s request for approximately $220 million to fund security improvements related to the ballroom has also come under fire. Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., labeled the effort to add the security package to the bill as a “bad idea,” emphasizing that it merely contributes to the perception of a “billion-dollar ballroom.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among lawmakers about the appropriateness of such expenditures in light of pressing national issues.
As the Senate grapples with these challenges, the fate of the immigration enforcement bill remains uncertain. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has indicated that the House will pass the bill “whatever form it takes,” but the ongoing disputes within the Senate could complicate matters further.
Conclusion
The abandonment of the $1 billion security proposal highlights the growing rift within the Republican Party, as members grapple with the implications of Trump’s influence on their legislative agenda. As lawmakers navigate the complexities of funding and political endorsements, the focus remains on how these developments will shape the party’s future and its standing with voters ahead of the November elections.