President Donald Trump has repeatedly promoted the White House ballroom project, urging patience as Americans face soaring gas prices. He called the cost 'peanuts' compared to the economic impact of the Iran war.
A Reuters review found Trump mentioned the ballroom at least 40 times this year, surpassing 35 references in all of 2025. He often discusses it in speeches, social media, and press encounters.
Some Republicans worry the focus seems insensitive. 'It would sure be nice if the public understood the ballroom itself was private money,' said Senator Cynthia Lummis.
Democrats criticize the project as tone-deaf. 'I can't imagine that at a time when people are trying to figure out how to pay for groceries, they're focused on a ballroom,' said Senator Raphael Warnock.
