President Donald Trump launches a fundraising campaign to build a new White House ballroom, aiming to raise $200 million. The initiative seeks contributions from major corporations and affluent individuals. The proposal’s aim is to enhance the function and capacity of the White House. Discussions around the ballroom bring forward debates on strategic corporate-government collaborations and spotlight issues concerning transparency and development. The project reflects Trump’s broader strategy of aligning private sector investment with government infrastructure projects, evoking varied public discourse.

The federal government shutdown has suspended pay for most federal employees, but the Trump administration has approved continued salary payments for FBI agents.