White House Unveils $300M Ballroom Donor List Amid Construction

BREAKING: The White House has just released the list of private donors funding the ambitious $300 million ballroom project on its grounds. The announcement comes as construction is already underway, having officially begun in September 2023.

President Donald Trump emphasized that taxpayer money will not be used for the 90,000-square-foot venue, which aims to provide a much-needed large event space for state functions and ceremonies. This development is significant as it addresses the longstanding issue of inadequate event facilities at the White House, which currently forces presidents to host gatherings in temporary tents located far from the main building.

According to the donor list revealed by the White House, major contributors include tech giants such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Other prominent donors are Lockheed Martin, Meta Platforms, and Caterpillar Inc., showcasing a broad coalition of corporate support for the project.

During a briefing on October 22, 2023, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “For more than 100 years, staff and occupants have longed for a large event space on the White House complex.” She reiterated the importance of the ballroom in enhancing the White House’s ability to host significant international events.

The project is not without its challenges. The White House has begun extensive demolition work on the East Wing, which has seen more structural changes than initially planned. The demolition commenced on Monday, and officials indicate that a significant portion of the East Wing will need to be removed to accommodate the new ballroom.

$22 million of the construction costs has already been allocated from a settlement related to a lawsuit filed by Trump against YouTube, owned by Google. This funding demonstrates the administration’s commitment to moving forward with the project without relying on public funds.

Concerns have been raised regarding compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which could necessitate a review of projects affecting historic buildings. However, due to a carve-out for the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court, the administration is allowed to proceed without extensive federal oversight.

Leavitt clarified that while a submission to the National Capital Planning Commission is required for “vertical construction,” it is not legally necessary for demolition. The press secretary noted, “Any president can do such things to the White House grounds,” reflecting on the historical modifications made by past leaders.

“We’re all grateful for the modifications made by presidents in the past,” Leavitt added, expressing optimism about the future of the East Wing. The project aims to create a ballroom that can host grand state visits and celebrations for generations to come.

The donor list also includes several other notable entities, such as Altria Group Inc., Booz Allen Hamilton, and Ripple, among others. Their contributions highlight a significant investment from the private sector into the White House’s infrastructure.

As the construction progresses, all eyes will be on the White House to see how this ambitious project unfolds and its impact on future presidential events. With the ballroom expected to redefine hosting capabilities at the White House, the urgency for completion remains high.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.