Mary Trump, niece of former President Donald Trump, has publicly condemned her uncle's plans for a new ballroom at the White House, which has seen its budget rise to $400 million, far exceeding initial estimates. In a video on her YouTube channel, she described the project as an 'obscene grotesquerie' and questioned who would benefit from such a costly addition. The ballroom, to be constructed in the East Wing, will cover 90,000 square feet, overshadowing the main White House building. Mary Trump characterized the project as a reflection of her uncle's narcissism, suggesting it serves as a personal monument rather than a functional space for public use. She referenced Fox News host Jesse Watters, who noted that Trump views the ballroom as a 'monument' to his legacy, raising concerns about the values and motivations behind such a project.

In addition to the ballroom, Donald Trump has initiated various renovations at the White House, including gilding the Oval Office and altering the Rose Garden. He has also proposed constructing a 'triumphal arch' known as the 'Arc de Trump' near the Lincoln Memorial, further emphasizing his focus on personal legacy through grandiose projects. The ballroom is expected to be completed by late 2028, coinciding with the end of his term in office.

Meanwhile, investigations into welfare fraud in Minnesota have revealed significant misappropriation of funds, particularly involving the Somali immigrant population. Federal authorities are examining claims that approximately $9 billion, half of the $18 billion allocated across 14 welfare programs since 2018, has been misappropriated. Critics have pointed to a lack of oversight in Minnesota's welfare system, which is among the most generous in the United States. A substantial percentage of Somali households reportedly rely on welfare benefits, with studies indicating that 89 percent of Somali households with children receive some form of assistance.

The political dynamics in Minnesota have shifted, with the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party actively engaging the Somali community, which has become a significant voting bloc. However, allegations of fraud have surfaced, including claims that thousands of Somali refugees entered the U.S. through a family reunification program that was suspended due to high rates of fraud. The Feeding Our Future fraud scandal, involving a nonprofit organization that allegedly misappropriated funds intended for meals for children during the COVID-19 pandemic, has further implicated several Democratic officials in Minnesota. Critics argue that the Democratic leadership, including Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, have not adequately addressed these issues, raising questions about accountability and governance.

In another development, the Senate voted 51-50 to block a resolution that would have required President Donald Trump to obtain congressional approval before any military action in Venezuela. This decision followed Trump’s influence on two Republican senators, Josh Hawley and Todd Young, who initially supported the resolution but changed their votes under pressure. The vote resulted in a tie of 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance casting the deciding vote against the resolution. The resolution had previously garnered bipartisan support, indicating initial concern among lawmakers regarding unilateral military action.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of Congress's role in military decisions, arguing that the American public does not support unilateral military action by the president without legislative debate. He cautioned that Trump's actions could escalate tensions in the Caribbean region, potentially leading to broader conflicts.