Dem senator breaks ranks with party to support Trump’s $200M White House makeover

Democrats Divided Over White House Ballroom Renovation

President Donald Trump’s $200 million plan to remodel the White House ballroom has sparked a heated debate among Democrats. While some, like Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., defend the investment, others, like Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., are strongly opposed.

Fetterman assured Fox News Digital that the renovations would be done tastefully and in a historically appropriate manner. He emphasized that the upgrades were necessary and not extravagant.

On the other hand, Blumenthal criticized the project, calling it a “gigantic boondoggle” and raising concerns about potential influence from donors who contribute to the funding.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the project will be funded by Trump and private donors, with no taxpayer money involved.

Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, dismissed Democrats’ criticisms as rooted in animosity towards Trump and his supporters. He praised the project as a positive addition to the White House.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., speaks to reporters in the Senate Subway on Feb. 12, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Senator Chris Coons, D-Del., acknowledged the need for event space at the White House but raised concerns about the project’s timeline and potential long-term implications.

Despite the controversy, Republican senators like Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and John Hoeven, R-N.D., expressed support for the renovation, highlighting the private funding and positive impact on the White House.

This article was written by Deirdre Heavey, a politics writer for Fox News Digital.