WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: RSC Members Urge White House Ballroom Be Built Following Assassination Attempt Against President Trump
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the wake of an assassination attempt against President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 25th, Republican Study Committee (RSC) members are advocating for the building of a White House Ballroom.
This tragic event underscores the need for this secure venue as threats continue to increase to President Trump, his administration, and supporters.
Here is what Members of the RSC are saying:
“Folks, security isn’t a talking point—it’s a responsibility. When threats against our leaders, especially the President of the United States, are rising, we don’t get the luxury of delay or debate for the sake of optics. Building a secure White House Ballroom isn’t about prestige. It’s about preparedness. In this moment, action isn’t optional. It’s overdue!,” said RSC Messaging Task Force Chair Mark Alford (MO-04).
“After the cowardly assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, it is not just prudent—it is imperative—that President Trump’s plans for a secure White House ballroom move forward. The safety of the President and his administration is not negotiable. Yet, just as we’ve seen with funding for the Department of Homeland Security, Democrats continue to play reckless political games with America’s national security,” said Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21).
“The security breach at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was unacceptable. The violent rhetoric of the left is successfully radicalizing their base and emboldening radicals with nothing to lose but we cannot allow the far left to stifle speech and patriotic activity. Construction of the White House ballroom is now an absolute necessity to ensure the safety of our nation’s future leaders and will alleviate many pressure points of continuing to hold events in tents or venues that cannot be adequately secured,” said RSC Article One Task Force Chair Harriet Hageman (WY-AL).
“The assassination attempt on President Trump at the WHCD is a brutal wake-up call for America. Political violence is surging — yet we’re still hosting our leaders in vulnerable hotel ballrooms. That’s reckless and unacceptable. A hardened White House ballroom is critical national security — not a luxury. This project is privately funded with zero cost to taxpayers. End the obstruction. Build it now to protect our Commander-in-Chief,” said RSC Emerging Technologies Task Force Chair Kat Cammack (FL-03).
"The bravery of our Secret Service agents cannot be the fallback for hosting major events in environments that are not fully controlled. We owe them and the American people a secure, hardened space on White House grounds. Building the White House Ballroom is a necessary step to meet the harsh realities of today’s security threats,” said Rep. William Timmons (SC-04).
“Left-wing political violence is surging, and this weekend’s assassination attempt shows the threats against President Trump and his administration can’t be ignored — even by the fake news media. A secure White House ballroom is a necessary response to a dangerous reality fueled by Democrats’ rhetoric. We can’t wait for a fourth assassination attempt. Build the ballroom NOW!” said Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13).
"On Saturday night, we came dangerously close to tragedy at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and we cannot ignore what that means. Left-wing political violence is on the rise, and the threats against President Trump and his administration are real, serious, and growing,” said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. “Building the White House Ballroom is not a luxury—it is a national security necessity. The President of the United States should never have to attend a major event in a venue that cannot be secured to the standard his office demands. We build it, we build it now, and we make sure it never happens again,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01).
“My dedicated protection detail ensured the safe evacuation of both myself and two other members of Congress after gunshots rang out during dinner. In light of another assassination attempt, it is clear that the new White House ballroom is not a luxury, it is a national security necessity. As a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and prosecutor, I find it shocking that this project could be delayed by yet another rogue judge,” said Rep. Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08).
“The White House ballroom is no longer a suggestion, it’s a requirement,” said Rep. Stutzman. “Americans should not have to fear for their lives when going to see the commander-in-chief speak. This has moved beyond the point of negotiation, build the ballroom by any means necessary,” said Rep. Marlin Stutzman (IN-03).
“It’s time to build the ballroom. After multiple attempts on President Trump’s life, it’s clear we must take security more seriously than ever. Political violence has no place in this country, and we need to take commonsense steps to protect our nation’s leaders and ensure future events are safe,” said Rep. Troy Downing (MT-02).
“The recent shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner tragically demonstrates the need for a large meeting space at the White House. For the safety and well-being of President Trump, as well as for all future Presidents and guests attending state functions, we must quickly finish construction on the White House ballroom. I am grateful for the President’s effort to privately fund the ballroom’s construction so that taxpayers are not impacted,” said Rep. Josh Brecheen (OK-02).
“Enough is enough. If this past weekend proved anything, it’s that our country deserves better. When our top officials gather in one place, the setting should match the dignity and security that moment demands, we shouldn’t be relying on hotels down the street stretched beyond its limits. Our current facilities simply aren’t good enough and it’s time to fix that. We need a proper ballroom at the White House, and we need it now,” said Rep. Jimmy Patronis (FL-01).
“On three separate occasions now, radical left-wing activists have tried to take the life of President Trump,” said Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07). “While I’m grateful for Secret Service’s swift response Saturday evening, we cannot continue to take the President’s security lightly. Quickly completing the construction of the White House ballroom is a necessity for the safety of this President and future Presidents, and it should not be delayed.”
“There have been three assassination attempts against President Trump’s life. There is no question that a secure ballroom is a national security imperative. Protecting the leader of the free world and our Commander-In-Chief should not be a partisan issue. The Left’s objection to the construction of this ballroom isn’t only nonsensical, it is hypocritical and dangerous. It is time for the National Trust to drop this lawsuit and for this ballroom to be built, immediately,” said Rep. Van Epps (TN-07).