The Dolphin

Trump's White House ballroom loses federal funding proposed by Senate Republicans

A US official has struck down security funding allotted for President Trump's White House ballroom project from a proposed spending package, in a win for Democrats.

The Senate rule-keeper ruled against the use of taxpayer funds in the bill on Saturday, after Democrats argued that security money doesn't belong in it.

Trump has said private donors will fund the $400m ballroom as Republicans have sought to use a portion of $1bn in taxpayer funds for Secret Service security upgrades.

Republicans are seeking the funds to bolster presidential safety following a shooting at a gala Trump attended in April at a hotel. The administration also tried to fast-track the project after the incident.