Major boost to Donald Trump's grand ballroom ambitions

But after the major security breach during the White House Correspondents’ dinner on Saturday, they have changed their tune.

And now prominent Republicans are agreeing with him.

Senator Rand Paul, a prominent conservative who has often clashed with the Trump administration, will introduce legislation to allow the ballroom to go ahead.

“Tomorrow, I’ll bring my bill to the floor that allows it to proceed without new taxpayer costs and make it easier for Congress to review major White House projects going forward,” he said.

A separate bill would set aside US$400 million in taxes to build the ballroom.

“I’m convinced if there had been a presidential ballroom adjacent to the White House, the guy would have never gotten in.”

Even one high-profile Democrat has joined the chorus.

“That venue wasn’t built to accommodate an event with the line of succession for the US government. 

“After witnessing last night, drop the TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) and build the White House ballroom for events exactly like these.”

Fetterman has been increasingly stepping away from his party by siding with Republicans on major issues.

“The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families,” Judge Richard J Leon wrote in his decision.

“He is not, however, the owner!”

“No statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have,” the judge wrote.

Leon said while presidents were able to carry out “care, maintenance and repair”, the existing laws “bring to mind things like replacing the lightbulbs, fixing broken furniture, and changing the wallpaper”.

Trump has said his ballroom is being funded by donations, but will not reveal who has done so.

The secrecy behind the project has attracted the ire of Democrats.

“Who is funding Trump’s $400m unlawful ballroom and what are they getting in return?” Representative Dan Goldman said.

“The White House is blatantly avoiding oversight by shielding their secret contracts and anonymous donors, all without Congressional authorisation or any meaningful conflict of interest protections.”

The White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) is not a government organisation and would not be obliged to hold its event at the White House.

Today WHCA President Weijia Jiang said the Hilton Hotel had donated the uneaten dinners from the cancelled event.

“They freeze-dried the steak and lobster for longer shelf life before giving them to two shelters for abused women and children,” she wrote on X.

“HUGE thank you to the staff that worked through the night under terrible circumstances.”

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.