From Google to Apple: Who’s funding Donald Trump’s $250 million White House ballroom dream? – The Times of India – Delhi News Daily

In what he calls a “gift to the American people,” President Donald Trump has begun construction on a massive new ballroom at the White House, with funding coming entirely from private donors that include some of the world’s biggest companies. According to the White House, major firms such as Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Lockheed Martin, Coinbase, Comcast, and Google have contributed to the $250 million project. Trump has repeatedly insisted that the venture will be built “with zero cost to the American taxpayer.”

Here is the full list of donors released by the White House:

About the $250 White House ballroom

The new 90,000-square-foot ballroom is described as the most significant renovation to “the People’s House” in decades and will serve as a grand venue for state dinners and high-profile events. It is designed to ease the strain on existing facilities, which can accommodate only limited guests. Site demolition began on Monday to make way for the expansion, even though the National Capital Planning Commission has not yet granted formal approval, according to NPR. Clark Construction has been hired to carry out the work, while McCrery Architects is handling the design. The new ballroom will extend from the East Room and is expected to host up to 650 people. Trump suggests it “may hold 999.” “For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc. I am honoured to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway — with zero cost to the American Taxpayer!” Trump said on Truth Social. “The White House Ballroom is being privately funded by many generous Patriots, Great American Companies, and, yours truly. This Ballroom will be happily used for Generations to come!”

How much is the MAGA chief himself spending?

The POTUS has also pledged to use part of his personal fortune, estimated at $7.1 billion, for the project, though the exact contribution from him has not yet been disclosed.

A glimpse into some of the top donors

Among the largest corporate backers is Lockheed Martin, which has reportedly pledged over $10 million. “Lockheed Martin is grateful for the opportunity to help bring the President’s vision to reality and make this addition to the People’s House, a powerful symbol of the American ideals we work to defend every day,” the company said in a statement. Tech giants have also stepped in. Google and its parent company Alphabet are each listed as donors. Google, which recently reached a $24.5 million settlement with Trump over the removal of his YouTube account after the Capitol riot, will contribute at least $5 million to the project. Of that settlement, $22 million will go directly toward the ballroom’s development. Apple, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Amazon, Coinbase, Comcast, and T-Mobile have also been named as significant contributors. Executives from these companies attended a private White House dinner for donors last week, according to a guest memo obtained by The Hill. Other major names supporting the project include crypto entrepreneurs Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, the Adelson Family Foundation, the Lutnick Family, Blackstone CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman, and commerce secretary Howard Lutnick. Carrier Global Corp. has offered to install an advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system for the ballroom. “Carrier is honoured to provide the new iconic ballroom at the White House with a world-class, energy-efficient HVAC system, bringing comfort to distinguished guests and dignitaries in this historic setting for years to come,” the company told the Associated Press. A special dinner was recently held at the White House to honour the donors, attended by leading business executives and prominent Republican donors. The White House has said contributors will receive “recognition associated with the White House Ballroom.”