The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner shooting prompted Republican lawmakers to voice support for constructing President Donald Trump’s proposed White House ballroom.
In the wake of the weekend’s attack, GOP leaders and allies rallied behind Trump’s proposal to build a large, secure ballroom at the White House, arguing the incident exposed vulnerabilities at off-site venues such as the Washington Hilton.
According to Politico and Axios, lawmakers say the ballroom would provide a safer environment for major events involving the president, vice president and other top officials — many of whom were forced to evacuate after a gunman opened fire during Saturday night’s dinner.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called the project a "solution," emphasizing that events held on White House grounds would benefit from the highest level of security.
"It'll be a very safe environment," Johnson said, noting the proposed structure would include bulletproof glass and reduce risks posed by unsecured hotel rooms above event spaces.
Other Republicans echoed the sentiment, with Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., describing the project as "imperative" and Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., calling it "common sense" given the current threat environment.
Several lawmakers are working to advance legislation to authorize construction, which has been delayed by legal challenges.
The shooting, carried out by a lone suspect who breached security at the hotel, left a Secret Service agent injured but not seriously hurt.
The attacker was taken into custody.
Officials have said top administration figures may have been the intended targets.
Trump has renewed his push for the ballroom in the aftermath, arguing the incident proves the need for a secure, on-site facility.
"This is why we have to have all of the attributes of what we’re planning at the White House," Trump said, highlighting features such as drone-proofing and reinforced construction.
Support for the project has also extended beyond Republican circles.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., used X to urge fellow Democrats to "drop the TDS" and back the ballroom, noting the Hilton was not designed to host an event with the full line of presidential succession in attendance.
Still, the proposal faces opposition from preservationists and some Democrats, who argue the $400 million project would alter the historic character of the White House and require congressional approval.
A federal judge recently halted construction, though Republicans are exploring legislative options to move forward.
The Justice Department has called efforts to block the ballroom "frivolous" in light of the shooting and warned that such delays could put lives at risk.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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