Trump Presses Senate After Parliamentarian Blocks Ballroom Security Funding
Trump privately complained after the Senate parliamentarian struck a $1 billion Secret Service provision that included $200–220 million tied to the East Wing ballroom.
Political WireTrump Privately Fumes Over Imperiled Ballroom Funds
SemaforExclusive: Trump privately fumes over imperiled ballroom security money
CNBCTrump ballroom money in question after Senate parliamentarian rules. Thune says GOP will persist
FOX NewsSenate Republican threatens to derail ICE, Border Patrol package over Trump's billion-dollar request
Overview
President Donald Trump criticized the Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough in a Monday call with John Thune after she blocked a filibuster-proof vote on Secret Service funding tied to his East Wing ballroom, people said.
The parliamentarian ruled Saturday that a $1 billion Secret Service provision linked to the East Wing ballroom violated the Byrd Rule and could not be included in the reconciliation measure.
Sen. Thom Tillis said he would not support the roughly $72 billion Republican immigration enforcement package if it included the $1 billion tied to the ballroom, raising the prospect of internal GOP opposition.
The package would provide roughly $72 billion for immigration enforcement and included about $1 billion for the Secret Service, with $200 to $220 million tied to East Wing work.
The Senate Budget Committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday to compile the bill, a vote-a-rama is expected before the Memorial Day recess, and President Trump said he wants the measure on his desk by June 1.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as Trump pressing for personal projects by emphasizing his private displeasure and use of security funding for a ballroom. Editorial choices—loaded words like "fumes" and "leaning on," prominence of the $200 million ballroom line, and lack of defense voices—collectively suggest self-interest and urgency.