Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) backed President Donald Trump’s push for a White House ballroom after a shooting disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner dates back to its first dinner in 1921, which has brought together presidents, journalists, lawmakers, and celebrities to celebrate the freedom of the press. The event is held at the Washington Hilton in D.C.
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“We were there front and center,” Fetterman wrote on X. “That venue wasn’t built to accommodate an event with the line of succession for the U.S. government.” He added: “Drop the TDS and build the White House ballroom for events exactly like these now.”
Fetterman’s support is notable because the proposed ballroom has faced criticism over cost and opposition from Democrats who questioned the need for a major expansion at the White House. Fetterman, a Democrat, publicly broke with many in his party following the security scare.
This break adds to the growing number of breaks Fetterman has taken from his party, including his opposition to shutting down the government over Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding.
The ballroom, which includes a military bunker as part of its security upgrades, has been under construction for months but is still facing legal challenges.
Graham said he spoke with Trump after the incident and agreed with the president’s argument that a ballroom is a “national security necessity.” He said the facility would allow large events to be held in a hardened, secure environment while enabling presidents to attend functions without leaving the White House grounds. Graham also said the Secret Service would benefit from having greater control over event security.
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Trump has long promoted plans for a White House ballroom, arguing it would modernize the complex and provide a safer setting for large gatherings.
The Washington Examiner contacted the offices of Fetterman and Graham for comment.