Internal cost estimates obtained by the Washington Post show Trump's White House ballroom project is projected to cost $600 million with approximately half ($300M) funded by taxpayers — contradicting Trump's March statement that private donors would cover the entire $400 million bill and that 'no taxpayer' would contribute. The discrepancy highlights a gap between the administration's public messaging and its internal planning documents, with the House Appropriations Committee noting the administration has 'already' spent tens of millions in taxpayer funds on the project.