U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) posted a video on X criticizing Senate Republicans’ use of the budget reconciliation process to advance funding tied to President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project.
In the message, shared during her southern district tour in New Mexico, the congresswoman called the effort a “backdoor”. She labeled it “Donald Trump’s ballroom slush fund,” urging constituents to voice their opposition. The post has drawn strong reactions online, with supporters of the project arguing it involves private donations and security upgrades, while critics back Stansbury’s concerns over the spending mechanism.
In the video, Stansbury speaks directly to the camera while standing in a scenic outdoor location in southern New Mexico. She describes her recent stops in areas such as Roswell and Lincoln County, as well as upcoming tour events, before turning to criticism of a Senate reconciliation bill.
According to the post and video, Stansbury calls the bill a “backdoor” effort to fund what she describes as “Donald Trump’s ballroom slush fund” through the reconciliation process. The footage shows only her address to viewers and does not include any separate interactions or events beyond the tour update.
Online Reactions to Rep. Stansbury’s Video
Some commenters defended the ballroom project and argued it relies on private donations rather than taxpayer funds, with one writing, “THE BALLROOM IS BEING BUILT BY DONATIONS FROM AMERICAN PATRIOTS, IT IS COSTING TAXPAYERS NOTHING, YET PEOPLE LIKE THIS DEMOCRAT MELANIE STANSBURY ARE TRYING TO STOP ITS CONSTRUCTION PROBABLY JUST BECAUSE IT WASN’T THEIR IDEA!”
Others directed criticism at Stansbury personally or at conditions in New Mexico, such as one who posted, “Another insufferable libtard. Why not do something useful for once and try fixing your [expletive] state of New Mexico? Honestly, why are we paying your dumb [expletive] salaries? All you do is grouse and whine like toddlers while embezzling our hard-earned money. Cry harder, loser.”
A separate comment questioned the state’s political representation, asking, “The same New Mexico that has a 40% republican population, so the state government gerrymandered out all of their representation?”
Some responses opposed the ballroom itself, with one writing, “NO Ballrooms for child molesters. NO ballrooms for Russian assets.” Others offered support for the congresswoman, simply stating, “Thank you for all you do.”
The post continues to circulate on X as part of the ongoing national debate over the White House ballroom project and the use of budget reconciliation. Stansbury’s southern district tour in New Mexico remains underway.
