President Donald Trump has publicly demanded that Senate Republicans remove Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough after she ruled that funding for security enhancements to his White House ballroom project could not be included in a $72 billion immigration enforcement bill under reconciliation rules. Trump accused MacDonough of bias against Republicans and claimed she has been unfairly strict with GOP priorities while lenient with Democratic ones. MacDonough, appointed in 2012 by then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), has ruled against both Republican and Democratic proposals in the past.
Senate Republicans have rejected Trump’s calls to fire MacDonough. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) defended MacDonough, stating she applies the rules fairly. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-IA) noted that MacDonough has also blocked Democratic priorities, such as immigration reform and raising the minimum wage, during the Biden administration. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) reportedly dismissed Trump’s private request to remove MacDonough, stating that such discussions are common during reconciliation debates.
The dispute centers on reconciliation rules, which allow certain budget-related legislation to bypass the 60-vote filibuster threshold. MacDonough determined that the White House ballroom security funding did not meet the criteria for inclusion in the reconciliation bill. Trump has framed the issue as part of a broader Republican weakness, arguing that Democrats are more aggressive in advancing their agenda. Some Republicans, like Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), have instead criticized the filibuster itself as the obstacle to passing conservative priorities.
MacDonough’s role is nonpartisan, and her rulings have historically been respected by both parties. However, Trump has repeatedly called for her removal, alleging bias. He has also pushed for the Senate to pass his SAVE America Act and eliminate the filibuster, warning that failure to do so could lead to long-term Democratic electoral advantages.