Trump vents at Thune over ballroom security funding setback

Published May 19, 2026 12:00am ET



President Donald Trump used a Monday phone call with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to complain about a ruling from the Senate parliamentarian that has jeopardized millions in security dollars for his East Wing ballroom.

The phone call, reported by Semafor and confirmed by a source familiar with the conversation, represents the latest flash of frustration as Democrats attempt to strip the money from an immigration enforcement bill that will get a Senate vote before the end of the week.

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