Dems flip script — and propose Trump ballroom funds for hiring more cops

President Donald Trump has attached a $1 billion provision for his proposed White House ballroom to the Republicans’ immigration enforcement funding package — but Democrats are now challenging him to choose between the ballroom or more police officers.

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) will propose redirecting the $1 billion Trump proposed in White House security funding (which he publicly presents as going to his ballroom) to law enforcement programs, reported Semafor on Tuesday. One amendment would fund two years of the COPS hiring program which helps local departments hire more cops, and additionally provide two years of funding for the Public Safety Officers’ Death Benefits program. Her other amendment would fund a criminal justice grant program called the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance for one year.

“The American people are suffering,” Rosen told Semafor. “These are taxpayer dollars, we do not need a billion-dollar ballroom. The president has the largest bully pulpit. He says he wants it to go ahead. [Republicans are] either going to have to be with him on this ridiculous policy, or they’re going to have to finally stand up against a ballroom, find a spine and say no.”

Because many Republicans are noncommittal about the proposed funding, it may not pass at all, as the GOP can only afford to lose three votes in the Senate before they cannot pass the bill.

“Rosen said the caucus is beginning to discuss its tactics, which could include multiple ballroom-related amendments,” Semafor wrote. “Reconciliation bills allow unlimited amendments from either party, and the minority can make passing the bill politically painful by forcing tough votes.”

It quoted Rosen as explaining, “We’ll see what our strategy is. But I think it’s important to put people on the record: Who’s really fighting for you?”

Although Trump is reportedly leaning “heavily” on congressional Republicans to fund his proposed ballroom, the project remains controversial. Trump initially promised that the ballroom would not cost taxpayers any money, but now is asking for $1 billion. Moreover, polls show overwhelming opposition to the ballroom, raising questions about whether the issue will be a political liability for lawmakers who support it.

"To date, the White House has presented no evidence to suggest that the project will be 'largely' financed by the president. Similarly, there’s no available information about why Trump sought so many private donations if he’s 'putting up $400 million' toward construction," Benen argued. "Hours after talking to PBS, the president claimed at a White House event that the ballroom project 'really has become very popular.' The latest Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, released last week, showed 2-to-1 opposition to the project, and the question in that survey emphasized private financing."