Trump Calls for Removal of Senate Parliamentarian Over White House Ballroom Ruling

President Donald Trump has called on Republicans to remove Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough after she ruled against the inclusion of security funding for a proposed White House ballroom within the party’s budget reconciliation bill.

On May 20, 2026, Trump criticized the nonpartisan official, stating, “Shockingly, Republicans have kept the very important position of 'parliamentarian' in the hands of a woman, Elizabeth MacDonough.” He further alleged that MacDonough has been “brutal” to Republicans while treating Democrats differently, questioning why she has not been replaced by other qualified, fair individuals.

The dispute stems from a ruling issued by MacDonough over the weekend of May 17-18, 2026. She determined that a proposal to allocate $1 billion in security additions for the White House and a new ballroom did not meet the strict guidelines required for inclusion in a budget reconciliation package.

Specifically, MacDonough found that the funding request violated the Byrd Rule. This Senate rule is designed to prevent the insertion of major policy changes into fast-track budget legislation. Because reconciliation bills can pass with a simple majority of 51 votes, they avoid the 60-vote threshold typically required to overcome a filibuster.

The ruling followed existing concerns from some GOP senators regarding the inclusion of ballroom funding in the spending bill. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana confirmed to reporters on May 20, 2026, that the ballroom funding has been removed from the legislation.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed concern regarding the President’s targeting of MacDonough but noted that disputes over the parliamentarian’s rulings are common during the reconciliation process regardless of which party holds the majority.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the ruling as a victory for Democrats, stating that they had derailed a “ridiculous ballroom proposal” and claiming Republicans are now attempting to find a new way to include the provision in their bill.

The proposed ballroom has faced scrutiny from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle due to rising costs. During a tour of the construction site on May 19, 2026, Trump defended the project, describing it as a “gift to the United States of America.”

Broader Legislative Demands

Alongside his criticisms of MacDonough, President Trump renewed calls for Republicans to pass the Save America Act. This measure would require voters to provide proof of citizenship before casting a ballot. He also urged the termination of the Senate filibuster.

Trump framed these demands as essential for the survival of Senate Republicans, warning that their positions could be at risk if they did not act.

“Get smart and tough Republicans, or you’ll all be looking for a job much sooner than you thought possible!” Trump said.

This warning follows a series of primary victories for GOP candidates endorsed by Trump, including successful challenges against Representative Thomas Massie in Kentucky and Senator Bill Cassidy in Louisiana.

The Role and History of Elizabeth MacDonough

Elizabeth MacDonough has served as the Senate parliamentarian since 2012, having been appointed by then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid during the presidency of Barack Obama. She was the first woman to hold the position in the Senate’s history, an appointment described as a “milestone moment” by then-Republican Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine.

MacDonough’s career in the Senate began in the library before she earned a law degree from Vermont Law School. Following a brief period as a trial attorney for the Justice Department, she returned to the Senate in 1999 as an assistant in the parliamentarian’s office and was promoted to senior assistant parliamentarian in 2002.

Here’s not the first time MacDonough has clashed with President Trump. Last year, Trump described her as “a little difficult” after she issued rulings that limited portions of a legislative package he referred to as his “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which was signed into law on July 4.

While she has faced criticism from the GOP, MacDonough has also drawn opposition from Democrats. In 2021, during the presidency of Joe Biden, she ruled that a proposed increase to the federal minimum wage could not be included in the COVID-19 relief plan under reconciliation rules.

The Function of the Parliamentarian

The offices of the House and Senate parliamentarians are designed to be confidential and nonpartisan. Their primary purpose is to provide expert advice on the meaning and application of legislative rules, precedents and practices within their respective chambers.

Parliamentarians and their deputies are present on the chamber floor whenever the House or Senate is in session. They are responsible for maintaining and publishing the rules and precedents of the chamber.

In the Senate, the parliamentarian consults standing rules, chamber precedents, unanimous consent agreements, and expedited procedures to inform their guidance. In the House, the office publishes the House Rules and Manual to ensure consistent guidance.

The Senate parliamentarian office was established in 1935 and has been held by only six individuals. The House office was established in 1927 and has also had six individuals hold the title.

According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, the advice provided by the parliamentarian consists of guidance rather than formal rulings. Adherence to this advice is intended to maintain a predictable standard for conducting Senate business.