Poll finds majority oppose Trump’s White House ballroom plan amid security debate after attack
WASHINGTON, DC: A majority of Americans continue to oppose President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to construct a large ballroom on the White House grounds, according to a new survey released on Thursday, April 30.
The poll, conducted jointly by The Washington Post, ABC News and Ipsos, found that 56% of respondents oppose the construction, while fewer than three in ten support it. Around 16% said they were unsure or declined to answer.
Poll finds opposition holding steady
The findings suggest that public sentiment has remained largely unchanged since October, when an earlier poll by the same organizations recorded identical levels of support and opposition.
Construction on the proposed ballroom began in October 2025, starting with the demolition of the East Wing of the White House complex. The project has drawn scrutiny not only for its cost but also for questions surrounding its necessity and impact on the historic site.
The latest survey, conducted online among 1,292 US adults, carries a margin of error of 2.8 percentage points, offering a snapshot of a divided but largely skeptical public.
Attack during WHCA dinner fuels security argument
The debate over the ballroom intensified following a dramatic security incident last weekend during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.
An armed individual, identified as Cole Allen, allegedly attempted to breach a security checkpoint one floor above where the high-profile event was taking place.
The suspect exchanged gunfire with law enforcement officers but was prevented from reaching the level where the president, senior administration officials, lawmakers and journalists were gathered.
Allen, 31, was later charged with attempting to assassinate the president, along with multiple firearms offenses.
In the aftermath of the incident, Trump forcefully reiterated his support for the ballroom project, framing it as a long-overdue security upgrade.
“What happened last night is exactly the reason… a large, safe, and secure Ballroom must be built on the grounds of the White House,” the president wrote on his Truth Social platform, arguing that such a facility could have prevented the breach.
Funding debate emerges on Capitol Hill
Beyond security concerns, the project has also sparked a fresh political battle over funding. While Trump had initially said the estimated $300 million cost would be covered through private donations, a group of Senate Republicans this week introduced legislation to allocate $400 million in taxpayer funds for the construction.
Among the backers is Senator Lindsey Graham, who, along with other GOP lawmakers, argued that the spending would be offset through national park user fees and customs revenues.
The proposed bill also includes provisions for national security infrastructure beneath the ballroom, including an expanded annex for the United States Secret Service.
However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the legislation is unlikely to move forward immediately, citing ongoing negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
