President Donald Trump has repeatedly promised the American public that his White House ballroom project will not cost taxpayers ‘one dime,’ saying it will be completely funded by him and private donors as a ‘gift’ to the United States. However, a New York Times analysis shows that there will be significant taxpayer expense associated with all of Trump’s building and renovation initiatives.
Construction Projects
The 18 major construction projects Trump has undertaken during his second term come with a potential cost of more than $1 billion. Some of these projects include the East Wing ballroom, the ballroom bunker and White House security center, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, and the National Garden of American Heroes.
The East Wing ballroom, which has a price tag of $400 million, is being funded by private donors, but taxpayer money may also be used. The ballroom bunker and White House security center, which costs $400 million, is being funded by taxpayer dollars from an unclear source.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, which costs $16.4 million, is being funded by multiple sources, including recreation fees. The National Garden of American Heroes, which costs $40 million, has an unclear funding source, but taxpayer money from the National Endowment for the Humanities budget has been diverted to the project.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
