President Donald Trump says his $300 million White House ballroom will be paid for “100% by me and some friends of mine.”
TL;DR
- Winklevoss twins and Big Tobacco are among donors financing Trump's East Wing demolition.
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is also participating, though the company is not listed.
- The White House released a list of 37 donors, but amounts and some contributors are undisclosed.
- Donors include tech giants, crypto billionaires, sports franchise owners, and philanthropic groups.
A compilation of 37 donors was issued by The White House, featuring crypto billionaires, philanthropic groups, owners of sports franchises, influential investors, leaders in technology and tobacco, media corporations, enduring backers of Republican initiatives, and a number of the president's neighbors residing in Palm Beach, Florida.
The information is not complete. For instance, the list omits Carrier Group, which proposed donating an HVAC system for the ballroom, and artificial intelligence chipmaker Nvidia, whose CEO, Jensen Huang, spoke publicly about their contribution.
The White House has not disclosed the amounts contributed by each donor, and nearly all were reluctant to reveal this information. When reached by The Associated Press, very few offered comments regarding their donations.
A high-ranking White House staffer indicated that the roster has expanded since its initial publication in October, though certain businesses prefer not to be identified publicly until financial reporting rules mandate it. The official, who requested anonymity to share unreleased information, stated that no international persons or organizations were listed as contributors.
Here’s a look at the divulged donors:
Tech giants (8):
Amazon Background: Trump previously voiced strong disapproval of the company's founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post, but has softened his stance recently. Amazon made a contribution $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, an event where Bezos was present. The company's video streaming division spent $40 million to secure rights for a documentary about first lady Melania Trump. Amazon Web Services, its cloud computing arm, serves as a significant contractor for the government.
Apple's History: Following a tumultuous period during Trump's initial presidency, CEO Tim Cook has aimed to better his relationship with the president this term. Prior to his return to the White House, Trump welcomed Cook to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, stating he had discussed the company's long-running tax battles with the European Union. With Cook. Cook also contributed $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund. In the spring, Trump threatened the computing giant tariffs following Apple's announcement of its intention to establish manufacturing facilities in India. In August, Cook gifted the president a personalized glass plaque with a gold base, coinciding with the CEO's declaration of Apple's commitment to invest $600 billion in U.S. Manufacturing over four years.
Google Background: During his first term, Trump’s administration sued Google for antitrust violations. While a candidate last year, Trump suggested he might seek to break up the search engine behemoth. Once Trump won the election, Google donated $1 million to his inauguration, and its CEO, Sundar Pichai, joined other major tech executives in attending the ceremony. Google’s subsidiary, YouTube, agreed in September to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit with Trump after it suspended his account following the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. According to court filings, $22 million of that went to the Trust for the National Mall, which can help pay for ballroom construction.
HP Background: A foundational Silicon Valley firm, the company contributed to Trump’s inaugural fund. HP’s chief executive, Enrique Lores, attended a White House roundtable in September. Lores had also previously met with President Joe Biden at the White House several times concerning top CEOs endorsed’s economic strategies.
Meta's founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, had voiced opposition to Trump since 2016, and Facebook had banned Trump for an extended period following the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. For the current election cycle, Meta provided $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, and Zuckerberg was present.
Micron Technology Background: The manufacturer of sophisticated memory computer chips announced entered into an agreement in April 2024 with The Biden administration, securing $6.1 billion in government backing for domestic chip production. Subsequently, in June, Micron committed $200 billion towards expanding U.S. Memory chip manufacturing under Trump. However, at least $120 billion of that involved holdovers first announced during Biden’s administration.
Microsoft's Contribution: The tech giant contributed $1 million to Trump's inauguration, double the amount given for Biden's or Trump's initial inauguration. CEO Satya Nadella has also had multiple meetings with Trump, given that Microsoft has backed the administration's easing of AI regulations. He met has also met with Biden previously. Trump has demanded the dismissal of Microsoft's president of global affairs, Lisa Monaco, citing her role as a deputy attorney general under Biden when the Justice Department initiated multiple investigations against Trump.
Palantir Technologies Overview: This company, co-founded by billionaire libertarian Peter Thiel, focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning. It has experienced a significant increase in profits, largely due to profitable defense and other government contracts.
Crypto (5):
Coinbase's History: The prominent cryptocurrency platform was established by Brian Armstrong, a significant contributor to a political committee that aided Trump and other pro-crypto candidates in 2024. Armstrong participated in the first crypto summit at the White House event in March. Additionally, Coinbase brought on board Trump's deputy campaign manager, Chris LaCivita, for its Global Advisory Council.
During March, the Securities and Exchange Commission withdrew a legal action initiated in Trump's initial term. This suit had alleged the company contravened securities statutes by distributing XRP crypto coins without the requisite securities registration. In his subsequent term, Trump has relaxed oversight on digital assets, rescinding an SEC accounting directive and a prior presidential directive that called for increased federal examination and suggested modifications to cryptocurrency regulations.
Tether's Background: A crypto firm and significant stablecoin provider, Tether settled penalties for misleading investors. Its CEO, Paolo Ardoino, has visited the White House under Trump, and in April, the company brought on Bo Hines, a former Trump administration crypto policy advisor, to spearhead its U.S. Growth initiatives.
Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss Background: Each Winklevoss twin is listed as a separate donor. Best known as Zuckerberg’s chief antagonists in “The Social Network,” the brothers founded the Gemini cryptocurrency exchange. Biden’s SEC sued Gemini for selling unregistered securities, but the case has been paused under Trump.
Energy and industrial (4):
Caterpillar Background: The equipment maker’s PAC has contributed to politicians from both major parties, though it has favored Republicans. The company has also stated publicly that Trump’s tariffs, some of which the administration has now eased, might increase its costs and negatively impact profits.
NextEra Energy's Profile: NextEra stands as the globe's premier electric utility holding firm. Trump has pledged to facilitate tech behemoths in securing their own electricity supplies for data centers, particularly with the growth of energy-intensive artificial intelligence activities. Google recently finalized an agreement an agreement to acquire power from a decommissioned nuclear facility in Iowa, which is owned by NextEra and slated for reactivation in 2029.
Paolo Tiramani's Background: An American industrial designer who has contributed to Trump's political campaigns. Tiramani, alongside his son, manages BOXABL, a company focused on modular, prefabricated housing solutions.
Union Pacific Background: Trump has backed the company’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern, a move that would be the largest-ever rail merger. The president will also be responsible for selecting two additional Republican members for The Surface Transportation Board, who will ultimately rule on the merger's approval. In August, Trump fired one of the board's two Democratic members.
Philanthropy (3):
The Adelson Family Foundation was established by Miriam Adelson, who is the majority owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, a close confidante of Trump, and a significant, long-term donor to the GOP. Its purpose is to bolster the state of Israel and the Jewish populace. Miriam Adelson is also the surviving spouse of Sheldon Adelson, the late founder and proprietor of Las Vegas Sands.
The Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, situated in Palm Beach, champions initiatives in health, arts, and culture, alongside environmental and educational projects. It's named to commemorate the mother of New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, who held the position of Trump’s ambassador to the United Kingdom during his initial term.
The Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Foundation, situated in Lake Worth Beach close to Palm Beach, is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing healthcare, social justice, the arts, and community projects. Isaac, an Israeli American entrepreneur and financier, previously chaired Marvel Entertainment. He and his spouse have contributed financially to Trump's presidential campaigns and associated PACs.
Trump administration officials (3):
Benjamin Leon Jr. Background: The Cuban American founder of Miami-based Leon Medical Centers is Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Spain.
Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher's Background: A former Republican senator from Georgia, Loeffler leads Trump’s Small Business Administration. Her spouse is the chief executive of the energy market Intercontinental Exchange Inc. And presides over the New York Stock Exchange. The pair faced scrutiny in 2020 for divesting significant parts of their holdings and purchasing new stocks, such as in companies producing protective gear, following congressional briefings on the gravity of the impending coronavirus pandemic.
Lutnick Family Background: Howard Lutnick is Trump’s commerce secretary. A crypto enthusiast, he once headed the brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald.
Communications/entertainment (3):
Comcast Background: The large media and telecommunications company has frequently faced criticism from Trump. For instance, in April, the president tweeted that Comcast was a “disgrace to the integrity of broadcasting.”. Comcast is the parent company of NBC and also spinning off MSNBC. If it decides to pursue the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discover,, it would require government approval.
Hard Rock International, a gaming and tourism enterprise headquartered in Florida and owned by The Seminole Tribe, manages several casinos. Among these is the former Trump Taj Mahal casino located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. For many years, Trump has voiced opposition to federal exceptions that permit tribes to run casinos.
T-Mobile's Connection: The mobile provider has an indirect association with Trump Mobile, a venture reportedly connected to the president's family controls that provides gold phones and cellular service through a licensing agreement. Trump Mobile operates via Liberty Mobile Wireless, a minor network based in Florida, which T-Mobile states utilizes its own network for operations. T-Mobile asserts this arrangement had no bearing on its contribution to Trump's ballroom, which it claims was intended to “restore and enrich the historic landmarks that define our nation’s capital.”
Big Tobacco (2):
Altria Group Background: The tobacco giant controls Philip Morris USA, maker of Marlboro. It has pressed for federal crackdowns on counterfeit and illegal vaping products. The company donated $50,000 to Trump’s inauguration.
Reynolds American Background: With brands including Lucky Strike and Camel, the company has been active in lobbying to steer the Trump administration away from a Biden-proposed ban on menthol cigarettes.
Defense/national security (2):
Booz Allen Hamilton Background: A prominent defense and national security technology company holding numerous government contracts, it settled lawsuits with The Justice Department during the Biden administration by paying fines. Booz Allen Hamilton agreed over $377 million in 2023 to resolve claims of improperly charging costs to its government contracts. In January, the company paid nearly $16 million to settle accusations of submitting false claims related to government contracts.
Lockheed Martin Corporation Overview: The enormous defense contractor holds substantial government agreements. In a declaration, it stated that it “is grateful for the opportunity to help bring the President’s vision to reality and make this addition to the People’s House.”
Individuals (7):
Stefan E. Brodie, a biotech entrepreneur and co-founder of the chemical manufacturing firm Purolite, along with his family, contributed to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and related committees. In 2002, Brodie and his brother, Donald, were convicted for bypassing U.S. Sanctions against Cuba.
Charles and Marissa Cascarilla's Background: Charles Cascarilla, a co-founder of the blockchain company Paxos, and his spouse are known philanthropists who have championed deregulation within the financial technology industry.
J. Pepe and Emilia Fanjul, who have been Republican donors and Palm Beach residents for a long time, manage American sugar refining operations, including the Domino brand.
Edward and Shari Glazer, whose family holds ownership of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has an controlling stake in the Manchester United football club, contributed to Trump’s campaign. Edward established and leads US Property Trust, a company managing shopping centers, and also heads the US Auto Trust car dealership business.
Harold Hamm's Background: Billionaire oil tycoon and a trailblazer in hydraulic fracturing leads Continental Resources, an oil company. He's commended the Trump administration for its proactive approach to buying oil to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve strategic reserve.
Stephen A. Schwarzman's Background: Residing in Palm Beach, he is the chairman and chief executive officer of the Blackstone Group, a worldwide private equity firm he co-founded in 1985. Schwarzman has a history of donating to Trump and his PACs, and led served on the former President's Strategic and Policy Forum during his initial term.
Konstantin Sokolov, originally from Russia, relocated to the U.S. And currently leads the Chicago-based private equity firm IJS Investments. Sokolov has a history of contributing to various educational and charitable initiatives, as well as to Trump's political campaigns.
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Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.