Today the president showed off the bones of the new White House East Room project, and while the president claims that the building itself is privately funded, some of the security tied to this new project is raising questions about taxpayer funding. This goes down 6 stories. You see 3 stories because it’s already been built. President Donald Trump giving reporters rare access and details on his East Wing ballroom project. And on top of the roof we’re going to have the greatest drone empire that you’ve ever seen, and it’s going to protect Washington. While the president says the ballroom itself is privately funded, this is *** gift. This is not going to be paid for by the taxpayer. Senate Republicans have pushed for up to $1 billion in taxpayer funding for Secret Service security upgrades, which would include the ballroom. Congress is approving money for security. It may go some of it may go here for additional security. I don’t know, but it has faced procedural hurdles and pushback from Democrats. Meantime in the Capitol today. And will you commit that none of this money will go to President Trump’s campaign donors? Another fight over public money. I am not committing to anything beyond the settlement agreement itself, Acting Attorney. General Todd Blanche defended *** separate nearly $1.8 billion Justice Department fund for people who say they were politically targeted. I just have to tell you this is corruption that has never been more blatant or more widespread. What is happening is you write the check, Trump and his cronies cash it. Blanche acknowledged the fund is unusual but argued it’s not unprecedented. He says the fund would not be limited to Republicans, and *** five-member commission appointed by the Attorney General would decide who gets paid. Democrats pressed Blanche on whether people charged with violence on January 6th could apply. Anybody can apply. The commission will set the commissioners will set rules, I’m sure. Um, that’s not for me to set. And during today’s press briefing, Vice President JD Vance said no one in the president’s family will receive money from the new DOJ fund at the White House. I’m Christopher Sales.
Two people shot in encounter with Secret Service near White House
Two people were shot in an encounter with Secret Service near the White House on Saturday, according to a law enforcement official.The incident occurred near the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Street Northwest. The law enforcement official said officers from the Secret Service’s uniformed division responded to a report of a person firing a weapon when the incident took place.Video above: President Trump showcases East Wing ballroom construction at White HouseCNN reporters heard what appeared to be dozens of gunshots near the White House, triggering a lockdown and a rapid response from the US Secret Service.The Secret Service said the agency was investigating reports of shots fired at the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, which is just outside the White House complex.The circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear.Members of the press corps on the North Lawn were rushed into the White House briefing room. Inside the White House, reporters were told to shelter in place as Secret Service agents shouted “get down” and warned of “shots fired.”Secret Service agents carrying rifles could be seen moving through the North Lawn area following the incident and blocking the White House press briefing room. The lockdown was lifted just after 6:45 p.m. ET.President Donald Trump is at the White House residence. CNN has reached out to the White House, DC Metropolitan Police, and the DC Fire and EMS Department for comment.FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that the agency “is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able.”Selina Wang, ABC News’ chief White House correspondent, posted a video on X showing the moment the apparent shots rang out and she ducked for cover.”I was in the middle of taping on my iPhone for a social video from the White House North Lawn when we heard the shots. It sounded like dozens of gunshots. We were told to sprint to the press briefing room where we are holding now,” she posted.The incident comes less than a month after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where reporters and Trump administration officials ducked for cover as shots rang out.The suspect in that shooting, Cole Tomas Allen, sprinted through a security checkpoint with a shotgun in hand, exchanging fire with Secret Service agents who chased behind him, according to security footage. He has pleaded not guilty to attempting to assassinate Trump and to other charges.This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNN reporters heard what appeared to be dozens of gunshots near the White House on Saturday.
Reporters were secured inside the White House.
“We are aware of reports of shots fired near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW and are working to corroborate the information with personnel on the ground. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available,” the U.S. Secret Service said.
Video above: President Trump showcases East Wing ballroom construction at White House
Secret Service officers holding rifles are on the North Lawn of the White House.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
