A major transformation is underway at the White House, where the East Wing is being demolished to make room for a massive 90,000 sq ft presidential ballroom. The cost of the project—estimated at $300 million (around ₹2,500 crore)—will not be borne by taxpayers but by a consortium of Donald Trump’s allies and corporate donors from across the tech, defence, energy, and crypto sectors.
According to official confirmation from the White House, a long list of corporate heavyweights is contributing to fund this grand construction, making it one of the largest privately financed projects in White House history.
Major Tech Players Among the Donors
Leading the roster of donors are Silicon Valley’s biggest names:
Apple
Amazon
Microsoft
Google
Meta Platforms
These tech giants have joined hands with several other major corporations to bankroll the ambitious ballroom project.
In addition, prominent defence contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Palantir Technologies, and Booz Allen Hamilton, are part of the funding group. The telecom and infrastructure sectors are also represented by T-Mobile, Comcast, Union Pacific Railroad, and Caterpillar Inc.
Crypto and financial companies such as Coinbase, Ripple, and Tether America have also joined the effort, reflecting the growing financial influence of the digital asset sector in Washington.
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Billionaire Donors Back the Project
Several high-profile billionaires and political donors, many of whom supported Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, have contributed to the construction fund.
The list includes:
Miriam Adelson, casino magnate and head of the Adelson Family Foundation
Stephen A. Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone
Harold Hamm, oil industry tycoon
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, crypto entrepreneurs and co-founders of Gemini
Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary and former Cantor Fitzgerald CEO
Other notable contributors include Edward and Shari Glazer, Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Foundation, Benjamin Leon Jr, and Paolo Tiramani.
The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, Charles and Marissa Cascarilla, and Stefan E. Brodie are also listed among donors.
White House Confirms Non-Taxpayer Funding
President Donald Trump emphasized that the project is entirely privately funded, stating, “It’s being paid for 100% by me and some friends of mine.” He added, “Nothing of this magnitude has ever been done at the White House.”
Demolition work on the East Wing began earlier this week. The upcoming ballroom, reportedly inspired by Trump’s luxury properties, is expected to become the largest entertainment space in presidential history.
Lavish Celebration Amid Partial Shutdown
Even as the federal government remains partially shut down, Trump hosted a private gala for sponsors in the East Room last week. The event featured lavish décor, crystal chandeliers, and a live string quartet, creating a scene of opulence that contrasted sharply with the ongoing shutdown and reports of unpaid public workers.
Social media reactions were swift and satirical. Memes of Trump on a golden wrecking ball went viral after images surfaced showing demolition work at the historic East Wing.
Full List of Corporate and Individual Donors
Corporate Donors:
Apple, Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, Caterpillar Inc, Coinbase, Comcast Corporation, Hard Rock International, HP Inc, Lockheed Martin, Meta Platforms, Micron Technology, Microsoft, NextEra Energy Inc, Palantir Technologies, Ripple, Reynolds American, T-Mobile, Tether America, Union Pacific Railroad, Altria Group Inc, and J Pepe & Emilia Fanjul.
Individual & Foundation Donors:
Adelson Family Foundation, Stefan E. Brodie, Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, Charles & Marissa Cascarilla, Edward & Shari Glazer, Harold Hamm, Benjamin Leon Jr, The Lutnick Family, Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Foundation, Stephen A. Schwarzman, Konstantin Sokolov, Kelly Loeffler & Jeff Sprecher, Paolo Tiramani, and Cameron & Tyler Winklevoss.
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