Democratic lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at restricting private funding for Donald Trump’s ambitious White House ballroom project. The proposed “Stop Ballroom Bribery Act” would ban donations from individuals and companies with federal contracts or pending litigation, require full disclosure of donors, prohibit contributors from lobbying the government for two years after giving, and forbid solicitation of funds by the President or Vice President.
The ballooning project, estimated at $300 million and privately funded, has drawn scrutiny because many stated donors—including major tech and defense firms—have existing business with the federal government. That has triggered concerns from Democrats about potential pay-to-play influence tied to the renovation of the White House’s East Wing.
Proponents of the bill argue the overhaul of the donor framework is essential to prevent former presidents from turning public landmarks into venues for special-interest fundraising. The White House has strongly defended the project, describing it as a patriotic upgrade to the “People’s House” and insisting that all funds come from willing private supporters, not taxpayers.