Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill) took aim at President Donald Trump over Republican-backed spending priorities, arguing that proposals to cut social safety net programs clash with projects tied to Trump and the White House.
On Monday, in a post on X, Pritzker accused Trump of claiming the U.S. can't afford key public assistance programs while supporting spending on projects linked to the president.
"Trump said we can't afford Medicaid. Can't afford SNAP. Can't afford to keep people fed or healthy," Pritzker wrote.
He added, "But he wants money for a ballroom. An Arc de Trump. And now a White House helipad."
Pritzker continued, "Apparently, we can afford anything — as long as it's for Donald Trump."
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Senate Clashes Over Trump Ballroom Funding Proposal
Earlier, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) criticized Trump, accusing him of focusing on self-promotion while households struggle with rising costs, gas prices, and healthcare concerns.
She said he promoted his image "on everything from passports to coins" while avoiding accountability for economic hardship.
Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said there's a strong chance that $1 billion in taxpayer funding tied to security upgrades for the proposed ballroom would be removed from a Senate reconciliation bill, citing procedural hurdles.
He added that he supports private funding for the project instead of using federal dollars.
Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) led Democratic opposition to the GOP-backed budget package, arguing that Americans need cost-of-living relief rather than funding for a ballroom project.
He also said Democrats would use procedural tools to challenge the proposal during Senate debate.
