By Alex Johnson | Tuesday, 28 April 2026 10:23 AM EDT
Republican Senator Rick Scott of Florida has raised concerns over a proposal that could direct up to $400 million in taxpayer funds toward constructing a new White House ballroom. Scott warned that the nation should prioritize controlling spending as federal debt has reached historic levels.
In remarks to NBC News on Monday, Scott questioned the rationale for using public money on the project, particularly given private financing options are available. “I don’t know why you would do it” with taxpayer dollars “if it’s all funded,” he stated.
The senator noted that the U.S. national debt stands at $39 trillion and suggested the government should focus on reducing expenditures rather than pursuing such initiatives.
The proposal, supported by Republican Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Katie Britt of Alabama, and Eric Schmitt of Missouri, would authorize federal funding for a roughly 90,000-square-foot ballroom intended to replace the East Wing. It also includes plans for an underground military component and an expanded Secret Service presence in emergency scenarios.
Proponents argue that the cost could be offset through revenue streams such as national park user fees and customs charges. Graham indicated taxpayer dollars would cover structural and security features, while private donors would handle decorative elements like fine china.
“Underneath it will be a lot of military stuff,” Graham said during a press conference on Monday. “There will be a Secret Service annex, and we pay for it by offsetting it with customs fees.”
Graham also reported discussing the idea with President Donald Trump over the weekend, and the White House has expressed support.
Momentum behind the proposal intensified following an assassination attempt at Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington.
The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton hotel, where a man armed with both a shotgun and handgun attempted to force his way into the event. Secret Service agents intervened near the ballroom entrance before apprehending the suspect.
Graham contended that the attack highlights the need for a secure White House event space. “A meeting space that is secured on the White and would allow people to do what they did at the Hilton hotel is necessary,” he said. “I’m convinced that had there been a presidential ballroom adjacent to the White House, the guy would have never gotten in.”
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump, as well as transporting a firearm and ammunition across state lines and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
He appeared in federal court on Monday without entering a plea.
