White House Announces Donor List for $300M Ballroom Project

URGENT UPDATE: The White House has just released the list of private donors supporting a new $300 million ballroom project on its grounds. Announced on July 31, the construction is already underway, with significant funding from major corporations including Amazon, Apple, and Google.

The ambitious 90,000-square-foot ballroom aims to provide a much-needed event space for the White House, which has been lacking adequate facilities for over a century. In September, President Donald Trump confirmed that taxpayer funds would not be used for the project, emphasizing that it would be financed solely by private donors.

According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the new ballroom will allow for hosting larger gatherings without the need for temporary structures that have previously marred the White House grounds. “For more than 100 years, staff and occupants have longed for a large event space,” she stated.

The construction is being funded in part by $22 million from a 2021 lawsuit settlement involving Trump and YouTube, a subsidiary of Google. Demolition work on the existing East Wing began on October 22, 2023, and the administration plans to submit plans to the National Capital Planning Commission shortly.

Despite concerns regarding compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, a legal carve-out allows the project to proceed without extensive review. Leavitt assured reporters that demolition does not require prior approval, stating, “Any president can do such things to the White House grounds.”

The list of donors reflects the project’s high-profile support, including companies like Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Lockheed Martin. Other contributors include Coinbase, T-Mobile, and the Adelson Family Foundation. Leavitt emphasized the importance of the project, noting, “In due time, the East Wing is going to be more beautiful and modern than ever before.”

As construction progresses, many are eager to see how this grand ballroom will transform the White House’s event hosting capabilities. With the potential to host state visits and significant functions, the ballroom is set to become a landmark feature for future administrations.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the White House continues to unveil additional details about the project and its construction timeline.