Democratic senators will test GOP unity with votes on Trump’s ‘anti-weaponization’ fund
PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-05-20 15:55:00 — www.pbs.org
Republican Senators Reconsider $1 Billion Security Proposal Amid Backlash
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican senators are contemplating dropping a controversial proposal for $1 billion in security funding for the White House complex and President Donald Trump’s ballroom, as it struggles to garner sufficient support on Capitol Hill. The proposal, which was intended to be added to a $70 billion bill aimed at restoring funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol, has faced significant pushback from within the GOP.
Internal GOP Dissent
Pressured by the White House, the security funding initiative has been met with skepticism from several Republican lawmakers. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana remarked that the bill is “back to square one” without the security money, stating, “the votes are not there.” Similarly, Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina labeled the effort to include the security package as a “bad idea,” expressing doubts about its viability even if the funding were reduced.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota acknowledged “ongoing vote issues” as party leaders attempt to gauge Republican support, alongside “ongoing parliamentarian issues” regarding what can be included in the bill under Senate rules.
Criticism from Democrats and GOP Frustration
As the debate unfolds, Democrats have criticized Republicans for prioritizing funding for Trump’s ballroom while voters grapple with pressing affordability concerns. Some GOP lawmakers have expressed frustration with Trump, particularly regarding his endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the upcoming primary runoff.
Thune noted, “There’s always a consequence with taking on United States senators,” emphasizing the complexities of moving the legislative agenda amid internal party divisions.
Details of the Security Proposal
The Secret Service has requested approximately $220 million for security improvements related to the ballroom, with the remainder allocated for a new visitor screening center and other security measures. However, Tillis questioned the necessity of including these improvements, stating, “It’s just giving everybody the ‘billion-dollar ballroom.'” He pointed out that Trump had previously claimed private funding would cover the project.
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who recently lost his reelection bid after Trump endorsed one of his opponents, voiced his concerns, asking, “People can’t afford groceries and gasoline and healthcare, and we’re going to do a billion dollars for a ballroom?”
Trump’s Social Media Outburst
Amidst the growing tensions, Trump took to social media to criticize the Senate, urging Republicans to fire Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough for her ruling that parts of the security proposal could not remain in the ICE and Border Patrol bill. He reiterated his 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.
In his post, Trump claimed, “Republicans play a very soft game compared to the Dumocrats,” asserting that this is their “single biggest disadvantage in politics.” He warned that if Republicans do not “get smart and tough,” they may find themselves “looking for a job much sooner than you thought possible!”
Republican Resistance to Trump’s Agenda
While many Republicans have remained loyal to Trump, they have resisted his calls to eliminate the filibuster, which requires a 60-vote threshold in the Senate. This growing rift within the party is exacerbated by Trump’s unexpected endorsement of Paxton, which has left some senators concerned about potential electoral repercussions in the upcoming November elections.
Democrats Challenge Trump’s Settlement Fund
As Republicans push forward with immigration enforcement legislation, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced plans to force a vote on Trump’s proposed settlement fund, which aims to compensate his allies. This comes as Democrats see an opportunity to challenge the GOP’s agenda through a complicated budget process requiring numerous amendment votes.
Thune expressed his disapproval of the new fund, which was announced as part of a settlement related to Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. Cassidy described it as a “slush fund,” while Tillis warned of the “real risk” that some rioters from the January 6 attack, who were later pardoned by Trump, could receive compensation through this fund.
As the political landscape continues to shift, two police officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6 assault have filed a lawsuit to block payouts from the fund. The acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump’s personal attorney, did not dismiss the possibility that rioters who assaulted police could be eligible for compensation during his testimony in a Senate hearing.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate over the $1 billion security proposal highlights the fractures within the Republican Party as lawmakers grapple with the implications of Trump’s influence on their legislative agenda. As internal dissent grows and Democrats prepare to challenge Trump’s initiatives, the outcome of this funding proposal could have significant ramifications for both parties as they head into the critical midterm elections.