politics
White House Requests $1 Billion for East Wing Security Upgrades and Renovation, Including New Ballroom
ABC News obtained a one-page document detailing how the White House intends to allocate $1 billion for the East Wing project, presented to Senate Republicans on May 13, 2026. The funding request, which includes construction of a ballroom, faces skepticism from GOP senators concerned about the deficit. An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll found Americans oppose the Trump ballroom 2-to-1.
May 13, 6:31 PM·2m read1 source
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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.
