Trump admin plans to spend $900m on White House 'modernisation projects': Report

Construction continues on a helipad and the White House Ballroom on the South Lawn of the White House. (AP Photo) The Donald Trump administration is planning to spend at least $900 million on construction and modernisation projects across the White House grounds, a significantly higher figure than previously reported, according to an exclusive report by The Washington Post.The development comes days after a federal appeals court ordered the administration to halt construction of Trump's proposed USD 400 million ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing, ruling that such a major overhaul required congressional approval.According to records, confidential contracts and planning documents reviewed by The Washington Post, the administration has assembled money for the projects through transfers from other government agencies and private donations rather than seeking a direct appropriation from Congress.The funds have reportedly been routed through the White House's Executive Residence maintenance account, which is traditionally used for routine repairs and restoration work and typically receives only a few million dollars annually.The Washington Post reported that the planned exp...