'I don't need money for ballroom': Trump

US President Donald Trump claims he will personally fund his White House ballroom project, stating it's a "gift" and a national security initiative, despite Senate Republicans cutting USD 1 billion for White House security.

US President Donald Trump, facing a Senate Republican mutiny, said on Thursday that he does not ''need money for the ballroom''.

Asked about Senate Republicans dropping a proposed USD 1 billion for White House security and his ballroom project, Trump said, ''I'm making a gift of the ballroom.''.

Trump says the ballroom will be paid for by himself and donors – though much about its financing remains mysterious.

Trump drew distinctions between the ballroom and proposed White House security improvements. He said the ballroom was being built ''in conjunction'' with the military and the Secret Service and that ''a tremendous amount'' of the project ''is for national security.''.

The president also said that the changes were ''not for me because I'll be gone,'' even though he's repeatedly mused about remaining in office after his term.