In a significant development for President Donald Trump's ambitious White House ballroom project, a diverse group of private donors has stepped forward, including major tech corporations like Amazon, Meta, and Apple. This information was revealed in a list shared with PBS News, highlighting the extensive financial backing from both corporate and individual contributors.
President Trump has consistently asserted that the estimated $300 million cost of constructing the ballroom will be financed entirely through private donations, ensuring that taxpayers will not bear the financial burden of this lavish project. Notably, this figure marks a substantial increase of $100 million from the initial budget release, raising eyebrows about the project's overall expenses.
A White House official provided a detailed list on Thursday, enumerating the corporations and individuals who have pledged their support for this high-profile initiative. The disclosed list does not break down the specific amounts promised by each donor, nor has the White House clarified how much President Trump plans to personally contribute to the ballroom's funding.
The list of contributors includes a mix of prominent companies and philanthropic organizations, such as:
Altria Group Inc. Amazon Apple Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. Caterpillar Inc. Coinbase Comcast Corporation J. Pepe and Emilia Fanjul Hard Rock International Google HP Inc. Lockheed Martin Meta Platforms Micron Technology Microsoft NextEra Energy Inc. Palantir Technologies Inc. Ripple Reynolds American T-Mobile Tether America Union Pacific Railroad Adelson Family Foundation Stefan E. Brodie Betty Wold Johnson Foundation Charles and Marissa Cascarilla Edward and Shari Glazer Harold Hamm Benjamin Leon Jr. The Lutnick Family The Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Foundation Stephen A. Schwarzmann Konstantin Sokolov Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher Paolo Tiramani Cameron Winklevoss Tyler WinklevossAs this major fundraising initiative unfolds, the role of a free press remains vital. A robust and independent media is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability, particularly in matters concerning public and private funding. Supporting trusted journalism and fostering civil dialogue are fundamental to a healthy democracy.