Yerushalayim Embassy to Cost Much More Than Trump Wanted

U.S. President Donald Trump peremptorily rejected a $1-billion estimate of the cost of the new embassy in Yerushalayim last March — but the bill he’s getting is still way beyond what he said it should cost.

An official State Department document recorded that conversion of the site consulate site in east Yerushalayim to an embassy, complete with the necessary security upgrades and living quarters for the ambassador, will come to $21.2 million.

The contract for the work was awarded to the Maryland-based firm of Desbuild Limak D&K, according to media reports. The U.S. spent $335,402 for renovations to make things ready for the official opening last May.

When presented with the initial $1 billion estimate, Trump told reporters: “We’re going to have it built very quickly and inexpensively.”

“They put an order in front of my desk last week for $1 billion. … We’re actually doing it for about $250,000, so check that out.”