The estimated cost of the new 90,000-square-foot build has significantly risen to over $300 million, an increase from the earlier July estimate of $200 million. President Donald Trump has consistently stated that this monumental project will not be funded by taxpayers. Instead, a comprehensive list released by White House officials, which has been reviewed by Fortune, identifies 37 private donors who will cover the expenses. Notably, these contributors include some of the largest tech companies in the nation, firms with government contracts, and members of the Trump administration. Their contributions will be made to the nonprofit Trust for the National Mall, although the White House has not disclosed the specific amounts donated by each of the 37 listed.
Trump has also indicated his intention to personally finance a portion of the project; however, his name does not appear on the donor list. Here, we delve into some of the major corporate donors involved in this substantial funding initiative.
1. Meta Platforms - CEO Mark Zuckerberg attended a White House dinner for tech leaders in September, where he pledged a staggering $600 billion in investments in the U.S. by 2028. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, actively engages with federal digital policy initiatives and AI oversight forums.
2. Apple - The tech giant announced plans in August for a $100 billion investment in domestic manufacturing, aligning with Trump’s vision to reshore industrial work. CEO Tim Cook has also maintained a close relationship with the administration.
3. Amazon - Founded by Jeff Bezos, this e-commerce and cloud computing powerhouse holds significant federal contracts with the Pentagon and has developed a strong rapport with the administration through extensive lobbying efforts.
4. Google - The parent company, Alphabet, agreed to pay $24.5 million to resolve a dispute with Trump this year regarding his YouTube ban following the January 6 Capitol riots. Notably, $22 million of this settlement will be allocated to the ballroom construction.
5. Lockheed Martin - This defense contractor is a key supplier for Pentagon programs, having received $33.4 billion in federal contract awards in 2025 alone, according to USA Spending. The company is reportedly contributing over $10 million to the ballroom project.
6. Microsoft - The software and cloud provider has multibillion-dollar federal contracts, playing a critical role in U.S. cybersecurity strategy through its AI partnerships.
7. Comcast - The parent company of NBCUniversal is under scrutiny from Trump, who has previously called for the Federal Communications Commission to revoke NBC’s license, alleging they are among the “worst and most biased networks in history.”
8. Altria - The parent company of the Marlboro tobacco brand is one of the largest tobacco firms in the country, advocating for reduced FDA oversight on e-cigarettes.
9. Coinbase - The popular cryptocurrency exchange platform, led by CEO Brian Armstrong, has backed Trump’s push for looser crypto regulations.
10. Palantir Technologies - This data analytics company has witnessed a surge in federal surveillance and border security contracts under Trump's administration.
11. T-Mobile - The telecommunications giant has received favorable reviews for its merger and licensing agreements during Trump’s first term, and “Trump Mobile,” a service branded by the Trump Organization, operates on T-Mobile's network.
12. Ripple - The blockchain payments network is keenly interested in Trump’s initiative to position the U.S. as a hub for digital asset finance.
13. Hard Rock International - Owned by the Seminole Tribe, this casino and hotel brand has historical ties to Trump, with its chairman having previously served as a vice president at the Trump Organization.
14. Tether America - This issuer of cryptocurrency stablecoins has shown support for Trump’s vision of a “digital-dollar alternative.”
15. Union Pacific Railroad - The freight transportation company is pursuing a merger with Norfolk Southern under a Republican-led SEC.
16. Micron Technology - This U.S. chip manufacturer was celebrated by the White House after announcing a substantial $200 billion investment in the country.
17. Caterpillar - This heavy machinery manufacturer is viewed as a symbol of the “Made in America” initiative promoted by the administration.
18. Booz Allen Hamilton - The defense and cybersecurity contractor reported that 90% of its $7.2 billion in bookings during the quarter stemmed from national security work.
19. HP - The computer hardware maker donated $50,000 to Trump’s 2025 inaugural committee and has received various contracts from the U.S. military.
20. NextEra Energy - The leading renewable energy utility’s CEO has expressed agreement with the administration's focus on job creation in America while also criticizing efforts to boost the coal industry.
21. Reynolds American - The tobacco conglomerate’s PAC contributed $25,000 to a Trump fundraising committee in 2016.
22. The Adelson Family Foundation - This philanthropic organization, led by the late Sheldon Adelson's widow, Miriam, continues to support Republican causes and received the Medal of Freedom from Trump during his first term.
23. Stefan E. Brodie - An industrial metals investor, Brodie was previously convicted for violating U.S. sanctions on Cuba; a 2023 pardon request to President Biden was denied.
24. Betty Wold Johnson Foundation - Funded by the Johnson & Johnson heiress, this charitable organization is known for its contributions to educational, health, and civic projects.
25. Charles and Marissa Cascarilla - Advocates for financial technology deregulation, Charles co-founded blockchain firm Paxos.
26. Edward and Shari Glazer - Florida sports tycoons, the siblings own the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and have partial ownership of Manchester United, frequently donating to Trump PACs.
27. Harold Hamm - The oil billionaire and founder of Continental Resources has served as an informal energy advisor to Trump.
28. Benjamín Leon Jr. - A Cuban-American entrepreneur and philanthropist, Leon donated over $3 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign and was nominated by Trump for the role of U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra.
29. The Lutnick Family - Led by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, this family is a significant supporter of Trump’s economic agenda.
30. The Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Foundation - The former CEO of Marvel Entertainment and his wife consistently donate to Republican and Israel-U.S. causes.
31. Stephen A. Schwarzman - The Blackstone CEO acted as a mediator between Trump and China during the trade war.
32. Konstantin Sokolov - This Russian-born American investor is involved in infrastructure and energy holdings.
33. Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher - Loeffler, a former U.S. senator and current head of the Small Business Administration, and her husband, Sprecher, have donated $5 million to Trump’s 2024 election campaign.
34. Paolo Tiramani - The founder of 3D Modular Systems, Tiramani is engaged in real estate innovation.
35. Cameron Winklevoss - Co-founder of the crypto platform Gemini, Winklevoss is a consistent GOP donor advocating for clear regulations in the cryptocurrency space.
36. Tyler Winklevoss - The twin brother of Cameron, Tyler shares similar roles in technology investment and cryptocurrency advocacy.
37. J. Pepe and Emilia Fanjul - The couple rounds out the list of prominent donors contributing significantly to this high-profile project.
This initiative, which showcases significant corporate and private funding, reflects the ongoing intersection of politics and corporate interests in America, particularly in the context of Trump's administration. As this project progresses, the impact of these donations will likely continue to unfold.
