The Mystery Behind Trump's Lavish White House Addition
A grand new ballroom is taking shape at the White House, but the source of funding remains a puzzle.
The Project
- Value: $250 million
- Size: 90,000 square feet
President Donald Trump claims he will cover a big chunk of the cost, but the rest is coming from deep-pocketed donors and corporations. The catch? Many of these contributors are still anonymous.
Ethical Concerns
Legal experts worry that this could be a way for wealthy individuals and companies to buy influence.
"It's an ethics nightmare." - Richard Painter, former chief ethics lawyer in the Bush White House
Painter argues that access to the White House is being used as a fundraising tool.
Recent Dinner at the White House
A recent dinner brought together big names from the corporate world, including:
- Blackstone
- OpenAI
- Microsoft
- Woody Johnson (New York Jets owner)
A pledge form seen by CBS News hints that donors might get their names etched into the new ballroom as a thank-you.
The White House's Stance
The White House insists that the ballroom is a necessary upgrade, pointing out that the current space is too small for big events like state dinners.
Critics' Arguments
Critics like Painter argue that the sheer size of the new ballroom could open the door to more political fundraising. He believes that the limited space in the current White House actually helps keep the "pay-to-play" game in check.
Past Controversies
The situation reminds some of past controversies, such as:
- President Bill Clinton accused of selling overnight stays in the Lincoln Bedroom for campaign cash.
- Trump faced scrutiny for seeking corporate sponsors for events like the White House Easter Egg Roll.
While no one can prove a direct quid pro quo, the concerns about influence and access remain.