The White House remodeling project promoted by Donald Trump faces a new front of pressure in Congress. Eight Democratic senators requested an audit of the money allocated to the East Wing and the future ballroom, after documents revealed that the cost of various work at the complex could reach at least $927 million.
The petition was sent to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent body that works for Congress. According to The Washington Post, lawmakers question the way the Trump administration is managing public resources and ask to review whether some expenses were authorized by Congress.
The request comes as the project also faces a court dispute.
The $927 million under review
The information that set off the alarms appeared in an investigation by the aforementioned media, based on confidential contracts and other documents. According to the newspaper, the administration plans to spend at least $927 million on different projects within the presidential complex.
More than $500 million would come from the Secret Service and the White House Military Office, according to records cited by the newspaper.
The figure contrasts with the explanation that Trump had given for months: that the ballroom would be financed entirely by private donations. The White House maintains that the room will continue to be paid for with private resources, although it recognizes that taxpayers will cover important security components related to the East Wing.
The senators consider that there is a transparency problem. In their letter, they noted that the administration has not presented sufficient planning details or justifications to allow for proper evaluation of the plans.
The legal battle also grows
The political conflict comes after the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals will determine on August 7 that Trump needs authorization from Congress to continue work on the ballroom.
The ruling does not take effect immediately: the administration has 14 days to appeal, opening the door to a possible dispute before the Supreme Court.
The White House had no immediate comment on the audit request. However, in response to the newspaper, he maintained that the public funds used so far have been spent in a manner “consistent with” the original intention of Congress.
