Democrats question funding for Trump White House ballroom project

New images show rapid construction on President Trump’s White House ballroom project, which is now facing criticism from Democrats over its funding.

(NBC)- New images released this week show rapid construction underway on White House ballroom renovations championed by Donald Trump, but the project is now drawing criticism from Democrats over how it is being funded.

Congressional Republicans recently unveiled a new funding proposal that includes roughly $1 billion for security improvements connected to the ballroom project.

Democrats accuse the administration of misleading the public after Trump repeatedly stated the ballroom itself would be financed entirely through private donations.

“They destroyed the East Wing of the White House without any notice or consent in the dead of night, and then they told the American people that it was going to be paid for with private dollars,” said Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “This has been a story of corruption.”

Trump has repeatedly insisted taxpayers would not pay for the ballroom construction.

“We did this at no charge to the taxpayer whatsoever,” Trump previously said.

The White House now says the proposed federal funding would only be used for security-related portions of the project, while private donors would still cover construction costs for the ballroom itself.

The president previously estimated the 90,000-square-foot ballroom would cost about $400 million.

According to a recent court filing, the facility is expected to include advanced security features designed to withstand drone attacks, along with underground medical facilities and a bomb shelter.

The administration says the project became even more urgent after a suspect was charged in connection with an alleged assassination attempt tied to the recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner security incident.

Trump argues the new secure event space is necessary for safety reasons.

“We need the ballroom,” Trump said. “That’s why Secret Service, that’s why the military are demanding it.”

Construction cranes are currently visible around the East Wing area as work continues.