White House construction project to cost almost $1bn

What the report says

The Trump administration is facing fresh scrutiny over White House construction and expansion plans after The Washington Post reported the work could cost nearly $1bn. Al Jazeera reported that the projects include a major new ballroom that would replace much of the East Wing, and that the administration has described the work as necessary for security and long overdue.

In a statement to Al Jazeera, White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the project was linked to security concerns, including attempted attacks on President Donald Trump and preparations around the 250th anniversary of US independence. He said the work is being carried out with the Secret Service and the White House Military Office. Ingle also said about $400m for the ballroom would come from Trump and “generous American patriots.”

According to the reporting cited by Al Jazeera, about $875m has been added to the White House Repair and Restoration account, which usually holds only a small amount for routine maintenance. The Post said roughly $500m came from the Secret Service and the White House Military Office, while another $305m came from private donations and the source of $70m was unclear.

The project has drawn criticism from lawmakers and legal challenges over whether private donors and corporate interests may be gaining influence. A federal judge in Washington, DC, recently ordered a pause on ballroom work, saying it required congressional approval under current law. A June report from Public Citizen also raised questions about donors’ ties to government contracts.