US President Donald Trump's ambitious ballroom construction on White House grounds - initially presented as a privately financed present to the country - now risks burdening taxpayers with billions in expenses.

Back in November 2025, during an Oval Office briefing, Trump assured journalists that the project would rely on zero government money, fully backed by private donors without dipping into federal coffers even slightly.

This expansive 90,000-square-foot venue, which the president claimed would impose no fiscal load on citizens, is presently linked to a $1 billion security overhaul funded by taxpayers.

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated that Congress appropriately acknowledges the necessity of these allocations, partly stemming from the latest assassination bid against President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Upon unveiling the ballroom concept last year, Trump highlighted its potential to elevate state dinners and official gatherings, all at public expense of nothing.

Come January, he posted on Truth Social: This represents a GIFT (ZERO taxpayer funding!) to the United States of America, valued at 300 to 400 Million Dollars (depending on the scope and quality of interior finishes!), addressing a critically needed facility.

Trump secured substantial corporate donations for the build and razed the historic East Wing to accommodate it, yet as work advanced, security requirements for the ballroom surfaced prominently.

NBC Reports: Ballroom Plans Encompass Medical Suite and Bomb Shelter

According to NBC News citing administration documents, the development incorporates subterranean medical units and a protective bomb shelter.

Critics aim to pause the initiative's momentum.

Democratic senators argue the fresh funding request reveals deception, as Trump had vowed no costs to the public.

Senator Chris Coons told NBC: This sadly exemplifies President Trump pledging one outcome yet delivering another - touting a boon for Americans while razing the iconic East Wing sans proper deliberation or public discourse. Now it emerges the full price tag exceeds $1 billion substantially.

Conversely, Republican senators back the effort. Senator Kevin Cramer remarked: As long as liberals keep targeting presidents with gunfire, safeguarding them demands hefty investments. Count me in.

In June, a federal appeals court will review challenges to US District Judge Richard Leon's ruling, which halted construction pending congressional consent.

Pending the mid-June verdict, building activities proceed unabated.