'Shark Tank' star backs Trump's White House ballroom plan amid security concerns: ‘It’s bipartisan’
"Shark Tank" star and investor Kevin O’Leary backed President Donald Trump’s push for a White House ballroom as a way to showcase the "American Dream" and serve future administrations of...
By Fox News · Fox News
"Shark Tank" star and investor Kevin O’Leary backed President Donald Trump ’s push for a White House ballroom as a way to showcase the "American Dream" and serve future administrations of both parties, days after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting. "I don't think the ballroom's a partisan issue. It's bipartisan because one day there'll be a Democratic president that'll use the ballroom," O’Leary told Fox News Digital. The comments come as congressional Republicans push to approve the ballroom following the shooting at the Washington Hilton ballroom during the annual event attended by hundreds of journalists and Cabinet officials. Lawmakers believe this would offer a secure venue for future events. O’Leary argued the project, opposed by many Democrats, would also elevate the "American brand" on the world stage. REPUBLICANS EYE PICKING UP $400M TAB FOR TRUMP'S BALLROOM AS SOME DEMS OPEN TO 'DISCUSS' IDEA "I want the ballroom because I believe in pomp and circumstance, the American brand," he added. He said the nation’s image is more than just the economy. "People think it's exporting technology or exporting energy," he said. "It's not. It's the American dream and so you want to showcase that." He added the ballroom would bring this image to life. "Let's get that ballroom fired up and show the world the American dream," he said. "That's what it is." He noted the project would not rely on taxpayer dollars. President Trump said the project would be privately financed through personal contributions and outside donors. WALZ REPEATS DEBUNKED CLAIM THAT TRUMP CONSIDERS WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM 'TOP PRIORITY' "My lobbyist over here said the taxpayers are not paying for it," he said. "So, then, why not let them have a ballroom? I don't get it." However, Sens. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C.; Katie Britt, R-Ala.; and Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., proposed new legislation this week that would fund the project using customs fees on imports to cover the cost. A lawsuit and court-ordered…