US President Donald Trump’s controversial White House ballroom project is now reportedly expected to cost $600 million, far more than his earlier estimate, with more than half of the money likely to come from taxpayers.According to The Washington Post, the project is estimated to cost $600 million, with more than half expected to come from government-funded sources. Internal funding plans reportedly show $293 million from private donors, while the remaining funds would come from the U.S. Secret Service, the White House military office and the executive residence – all funded by taxpayers.However, Trump had repeatedly said that the ballroom would be financed by private donors, including himself, and had described the project as “tax-payer free”. When he first proposed the ballroom, he estimated it to cost $200 million, later revising that figure to $400 million.The report also said that before Trump publicly reiterated that the project would not rely on taxpayer money, the administration had already approved several payments worth millions of dollars in public funds to the contractor.Responding to the report, the White House said, “President Trump and liberal American patriots are giving the Ballroom nearly $400 million in funding.”“This is a gift to the United States of America,” Trump said during a tour of the construction site last month. “All this money is mine and donors’ money. It’s tax free.”The ballroom project is a key part of Trump’s effort to reshape Washington, which began after he demolished the White House’s historic East Wing last year. Trump has argued that the White House needs a larger space for state dinners and major events.The ballroom, being built by Virginia-based Clark Construction, replaces the historic East Wing following its demolition last year. The White House has argued that the project serves security purposes in addition to providing a larger space for official events.White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the project is “inextricably linked to the President’s security, the White House grounds, and certain security infrastructure assets.” As quoted by The Hill, he said the ballroom would provide “a safe and appropriate venue for presidents for generations to come.”A legal dispute also broke out over this project. A judge ruled in March that construction above ground must be halted, though that order is currently pending appeal. The administration has argued that security concerns, including an attempted armed break-in at a gala dinner in April, outweigh the need for the new ballroom.It also faced criticism from lawmakers and ethics watchdogs, particularly after several major corporations and wealthy donors pledged support through the trust for the National Mall. Critics have questioned both the use of public funds and the involvement of companies holding or seeking federal contracts.