When Donald Trump knocked down the East Wing of the White House without authorisation, few Republican politicians were willing to publicly back his ambitious renovations.
When Donald Trump knocked down the East Wing of the White House without authorisation, few Republican politicians were willing to publicly back his ambitious renovations.
But after the major security breach during the White House Correspondents' dinner on Saturday, they have changed their tune.
Soon after, an armed gunman allegedly tried to kill the president, Trump said the scare justified the need for a ballroom in the White House.
READ MORE: Trump envoy asks president to replace Iran with Italy at World Cup
And now prominent Republicans are agreeing with him.
Senator Rand Paul, a prominent conservative who has often clashed with the Trump administration, will introduce legislation to allow the ballroom to go ahead.
"Tomorrow, I'll bring my bill to the floor that allows it to proceed without new taxpayer costs and make it easier for Congress to review major White House projects going forward," he said.
A separate bill would set aside US$400 million in taxes to build the ballroom.
"Many people I think originally saw it as a vanity project… I don't see it that way," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said.
"I'm convinced if there had been a presidential ballroom adjacent to the White House, the guy would have never gotten in."
READ MORE: Trump's bid to secure power for his party just backfired big time
Even one high-profile Democrat has joined the chorus.
"We were there front and centre," Senator John Fetterman said.
"That venue wasn't built to accommodate an event with the line of succession for the US government.
"After witnessing last night, drop the TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) and build the White House ballroom for events exactly like these."
Fetterman has been increasingly stepping away from his party by siding with Republicans on major issues.
Trump's renovations of the White House have been blocked by a federal judge because he did not have congressional approval to do so.
"The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families," Judge Richard J Leon wrote in his decision.
"He is not, however, the owner!"
In a scathing judgment, Leon declared the president could not carry out extensive renovations without congressional approval.
"No statute comes close to giving the President the authority he claims to have," the judge wrote.
Leon said while presidents were able to carry out "care, maintenance and repair", the existing laws "bring to mind things like replacing the lightbulbs, fixing broken furniture, and changing the wallpaper".
READ MORE: CEO of Trump's media company ousted after losing billions
Trump has said his ballroom is being funded by donations, but will not reveal who has done so.
The secrecy behind the project has attracted the ire of Democrats.
"Who is funding Trump's $400m unlawful ballroom and what are they getting in return?" Representative Dan Goldman said.
"The White House is blatantly avoiding oversight by shielding their secret contracts and anonymous donors, all without Congressional authorisation or any meaningful conflict of interest protections."
The White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) is not a government organisation and would not be obliged to hold its event at the White House.
Today WHCA President Weijia Jiang said the Hilton Hotel had donated the uneaten dinners from the cancelled event.
"They freeze-dried the steak and lobster for longer shelf life before giving them to two shelters for abused women and children," she wrote on X.
"HUGE thank you to the staff that worked through the night under terrible circumstances."
READ MORE: Donald Trump's bid to secure power for his party just backfired big time
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was arrested after exchanging fire with law enforcement and the Secret Service at the Washington Hilton.
He has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president.
READ MORE: 'Outrageous': Push in Congress for Ghislaine Maxwell to be pardoned
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
- Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
- Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
- Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Rebel denies lying about smear websites amid film fight
Aussies just hours from learning likely fate on triple dose of rate hike pain
Kimmel hits back at calls for him to be sacked over latest Trump jab
Tourist drowns after being swept off rocks at popular WA beach
Former Australian of the Year's health 'a bit tougher' in brain cancer battle
Search continues for man wanted over suspected abduction of young girl in NT
Sydney's public transport system set for $820m transformation
Aussies jetting overseas in record numbers despite Middle East conflict
Young Aussies won't end up worse off than their parents, but there's a catch
Only one person has bought into Donald Trump's million-dollar idea
'Cracks starting to show' in Australia's $368 billion nuclear submarine deal
Fears of fresh mouse plague as farmers share videos
'Nobody's voted for a cashless society': Thousands to withdraw cash in protest
Zoe was fined $300 after forgetting her car. This is the hidden cost of ADHD
Rescuer scales Sydney high-rise to reach missing dog trapped on ledge for days
'ISIS brides' and children secure flights to Australia
Airport apologises after wheelchair user barred from disability pick-up spot
