Major Companies Fund Trump’s $250 Million White House Ballroom

UPDATE: Numerous corporations and billionaire donors are backing President Donald Trump’s ambitious project to construct a lavish ballroom at the White House, announced just today. With an estimated cost exceeding $250 million, major tech giants like Apple, Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Comcast Corporation are among the prominent financial supporters.

The announcement comes amid mounting controversy, as the ballroom construction involves significant alterations to the historic East Wing of the White House. Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, stated, “This is going to be a magnificent addition to the White House for many years to come, and it’s not costing the taxpayers anything.” However, critics are raising alarms about the implications of private funding for a public space.

Among the individual billionaires contributing to the ballroom are Edward Glazer, owner of Manchester United, and Stephen Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone. The involvement of companies like Reynolds American and Altria Group, known for their tobacco products, further intensifies the scrutiny surrounding the funding sources.

The ballroom, touted as a 90,000-square-foot facility, has sparked outrage among some Democrats. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took to social media, stating, “It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it.” As the project progresses, images of heavy machinery dismantling parts of the East Wing have begun circulating, highlighting the ongoing demolition necessary for the construction.

Critics are not only concerned about the costs and potential for misuse of public space but also about the lack of transparency in the discussion surrounding the ballroom. Just today, three House Democrats formally requested details from President Trump regarding the decisions made about this significant project, emphasizing the need for public disclosure.

As the construction continues, many are closely monitoring developments around this high-profile project. The ballroom is expected to serve various diplomatic functions, yet its funding and the process continue to draw ire from numerous quarters.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and follow the implications of private funding in public spaces.