Who's Really Paying for Trump's White House Upgrade?

President Donald Trump has announced that his $300 million White House ballroom project will be funded entirely by himself and his friends. A list of 37 donors has been released, including big names from tech, crypto, energy, and finance. However, the list is incomplete, missing some notable contributors like Carrier Group and Nvidia. The White House hasn't disclosed how much each donor is contributing, and most donors declined to comment when contacted. A senior White House official mentioned that the list has grown since its initial release in October, but some companies prefer to stay anonymous until required by financial disclosure rules. Importantly, no foreign entities are among the donors. The tech industry is well-represented, with companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta contributing. Amazon, despite Trump's past criticism of its founder Jeff Bezos, donated $1 million to Trump's inauguration. Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, has been working to improve relations with Trump, donating $1 million to the inauguration fund and presenting Trump with a customized plaque. Google, despite facing antitrust lawsuits from Trump's administration, also donated $1 million to the inauguration and settled a lawsuit with Trump for $24. 5 million, with a significant portion going to the Trust for the National Mall. The crypto world is also involved, with companies like Coinbase, Ripple, and Tether contributing. Coinbase's CEO, Brian Armstrong, is a top donor to a pro-crypto political action committee, and the company hired Trump's co-campaign manager. Ripple settled a lawsuit with the SEC, and Tether's CEO has visited the White House. Energy and industrial donors include Caterpillar, NextEra Energy, and Union Pacific. Caterpillar has donated to both parties but leans Republican, while NextEra is the world's largest electric utility holding company. Union Pacific's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern is awaiting approval, which Trump can influence. Philanthropic donors include the Adelson Family Foundation, Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, and Laura & Isaac Perlmutter Foundation. These foundations focus on various causes, including health, arts, and community initiatives. Trump administration officials and their families are also among the donors. Benjamin Leon Jr. , Kelly Loeffler, and the Lutnick family have contributed. Communications and entertainment companies like Comcast, Hard Rock International, and T-Mobile are involved, as well as big tobacco companies Altria Group and Reynolds American. Defense and national security firms Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin Corporation have also donated. Individual donors include biotech entrepreneurs, blockchain founders, sugar refining interests, sports team owners, oil tycoons, private equity firm heads, and philanthropists.