Trump White House projects estimated to cost over $1.8 billion

A report from the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Minority indicates that President Trump’s various projects, including the construction of a new White House ballroom and a no-bid contract for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, are projected to cost over $1.8 billion.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand criticized the spending, stating that the funds could instead be used for essential services such as school lunches, veteran medical expenditures, or hiring teachers and firefighters. The report notes that while the President pledged not to use taxpayer dollars for the ballroom, funds were utilized via the Secret Service to pay for portions of the project.

Additional reports suggest disputes regarding the project's adherence to safety standards. There are claims that the President has expressed a belief that the White House construction projects do not require compliance with standard building codes.