White House Requests $1 Billion for East Wing Security Upgrades and Renovation, Including New Ballroom

ABC News obtained a one-page breakdown of how the White House intends to spend $1 billion for the East Wing renovation that includes construction of a ballroom. U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran to Senate Republicans during a luncheon on May 13, 2026.

Axios was first to report the news of the one-page breakdown. The $1 billion request breaks down as $220 million for White House hardening, $180 million for a White House visitor security screening facility and $175 million for Secret Service training.

It further allocates $175 million for enhancements for Secret Service protectees, $150 million for evolving threats and technology and $100 million for events of national significance.

2 billion in FY 2025. Construction of the White House ballroom continues adjacent to the White House in Washington as of May 12, 2026. The White House has insisted the funding is necessary in the wake of the assassination attempt against Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

Senate Republicans appeared skeptical following Curran's briefing. GOP Sen. " Justice told ABC News that he can't imagine spending a billion dollars on security but he is not a security expert. Justice said he supports building the ballroom and using government funds on security but wants administration officials to better explain how the proposed $1 billion would be used.

"I'd like to at least see what that really is. we don't need to spend one extra dollar," he added.

Republican Sen. John Kennedy said Sean Curran gave a list that breaks down the spending in a little more detail but there are still a lot of questions. Kennedy said one of the biggest concerns on our side is adding to the deficit.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune remains adamant that the funding request could be tucked into the ongoing reconciliation process. It faces an uphill battle earning 50 Republican votes and it is not clear whether the provision will make it through the Senate's rigorous review process.

Democrats are expected to argue before the Senate's parliamentarian that the spending is extraneous and therefore should not be allowed to be included in a reconciliation bill.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the proposal during a speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday morning. Schumer said that 77% of Americans say that Donald Trump's policies have increased their cost of living. He referenced a CNN poll that found 77% say that Trump’s policies have increased the cost of living in their own community.

An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll found Americans oppose Trump ballroom 2-to-1.