As reported by numerous credible news sources, the Trump administration has put $352 million in federal tax dollars – yours and mine – into one of the most unnecessary, irresponsible and incomprehensible federal construction projects ever conceived: the White House ballroom.
Let’s take our time machine back to March, just three months ago, when Donald Trump said, “This is taxpayer-free. We have no taxpayer putting up 10 cents.” I’d settle for 10 cents.
Since its inception, this project has been billed as paid for strictly by donations from corporations and individuals with the foresight to sponsor our country’s choreographic integrity and restore it to its proper position as the envy of the world. The importance of having a place where Trump can practice his adagios, arabesques and pirouettes cannot be overstated. The man needs a place to exercise his lower extremities – healthy legs mean a healthy mind, and playing 18 on the links just isn’t cutting it.
But corporate and personal money is not pouring in, and the cost overruns are mounting faster than JD Vance can sidestep – something else that will no doubt be practiced in the ballroom. So now it is time to delve into that bottomless pit known as the federal vault.
This is something Rep. Jeff Hurd needs to weigh in on.
Josh Joswick
Bayfield