Donald Trump’s White House renovation is now projected to cost at least $927 million, according to a new investigation. The figure is significantly higher than earlier estimates, with most of the money coming from taxpayers despite Congress never appropriating the funds.
Trump’s White House upgrade could cost more than $900 million, with taxpayers covering most of the bill
Donald Trump’s White House renovation projects are now expected to cost more than $900 million, with taxpayers covering most of the bill.
The Washington Post reported the total on Wednesday after its journalists went through records. Those records place the White House construction cost at $927 million or higher, a sum above what had been anticipated.
Congress did not appropriate the funds. Federal agencies and private donors supplied them instead, the Post reported, and the Trump White House renovation total climbed as a result.
A single account holds much of the money, one set aside for ordinary upkeep at the residence. Its usual balance runs to a couple of million dollars. According to the Post, $875 million went into the account under the current administration, with most of the money coming from taxpayer funds.
The East Wing ballroom accounts for one portion of the reported $927 million total. Additional projects include a helipad, two fountains, and a visitor screening facility that remain in the planning stage.
A federal court has since ruled against the administration over the ballroom project, finding that the executive branch cannot bypass Congress when spending money on the project. The dispute is not over; however, as the case is now headed to the Supreme Court, which will consider the separation of powers and Congress’ authority over federal spending.
The ruling applies specifically to the ballroom project, meaning other White House construction and renovation work is not necessarily affected by the decision.
WHO SHOULD PAY FOR THE WHITE HOUSE RENOVATION, AND SHOULD CONGRESS HAVE HAD A SAY? TELL US BELOW.
