House Democrats are moving to block funding for one of President Donald Trump’s most ambitious White House renovation projects, setting up another political battle over federal spending and defense priorities.
Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, announced plans to introduce an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would prohibit the Pentagon from using military funds to help build Trump’s proposed White House ballroom. The amendment would block at least $150 million in Defense Department funding from being directed toward the project, which is planned for the site of the former East Wing.
Garamendi argued that military funding should remain focused on America’s armed forces rather than construction projects at the White House.
According to the California congressman, defense dollars should be dedicated to supporting service members, military families, combat readiness, shipbuilding, and replenishing critical weapons systems—not a White House ballroom. He also argued that if the president wants to expand the White House, the project should be financed through another source rather than the Pentagon budget.
The dispute comes as House Republicans are already facing internal disagreements over the annual defense bill. Earlier this week, a coalition of conservative Republicans joined Democrats in defeating a procedural rule that would have advanced the NDAA while combining it with the SAVE America Act through a legislative procedure known as “MIRVing.”
The House voted 198-224 against the rule, with 14 Republicans joining Democrats in opposition. As a result, House leadership canceled the remaining votes for the week and sent lawmakers home early for the Independence Day recess.
The proposed ballroom is part of a broader White House renovation effort that President Trump has described as a major upgrade to improve security while providing additional space for large state dinners, official ceremonies, and other high-profile events.
Last October, Trump said the U.S. military would help oversee aspects of the project to ensure it meets the highest construction and security standards. He told reporters that military officials wanted every detail completed to perfection and were actively involved in the planning process.
Current plans call for a ballroom capable of accommodating approximately 1,000 guests. Trump has also said the redesigned complex would include enhanced security features, including a drone operations area and an underground military facility.
The administration has continued moving forward with the renovation despite lawsuits seeking to halt construction. White House officials argue the project is necessary to modernize aging facilities while strengthening security at the executive residence.
President Trump has repeatedly maintained that taxpayers would not pay for construction of the ballroom itself. However, the administration recently requested roughly $1 billion from Congress for security improvements connected to the broader White House renovation project.
Reports also indicate that the White House awarded a no-bid contract worth up to $500 million to Virginia-based Clark Construction for work related to the new East Wing ballroom.
The latest effort by House Democrats is expected to intensify debate on Capitol Hill over how federal dollars should be spent. Supporters of the amendment argue defense funding should remain dedicated exclusively to military priorities, while supporters of the renovation contend the project will enhance White House security and improve the nation’s ability to host major official events.
Whether Garamendi’s proposal ultimately becomes law remains uncertain, but it represents another challenge for the Trump administration as it works to advance one of the president’s most closely watched White House initiatives.