While the federal government remains frozen by a shutdown, there’s no such standstill at the White House.
This week, workers began demolishing the East Wing to make way for an extravagant new feature: a 90,000-square-foot ballroom capable of hosting up to 1,000 guests.
And no — taxpayers aren’t paying a dime.
Who’s Paying for It? Tech, Defense, and Crypto Giants
President Donald Trump’s $250 million project is entirely funded through private donations. On Thursday, the White House published a list of contributors, and it reads like a corporate power roster:
A New Relationship with Silicon Valley
This ballroom project signals more than just architectural ambition — it’s a visible sign of how Trump’s relationship with Big Tech has evolved. Back in 2016, most tech firms kept Trump at arm’s length. Today, they’re cutting checks.
Consider:
Why the change of heart?
Regulatory Pressure — and Relief
One major factor: antitrust scrutiny. Many of these companies are entangled in legal battles over their market dominance. Compared to President Biden’s administration - particularly the aggressive enforcement led by former FTC Chair Lina Khan - Trump’s team has taken a far more hands-off approach. The message is clear: less regulation, more cooperation.
AI Ambitions Align
Trump’s enthusiasm for artificial intelligence is another point of alignment. His administration’s AI Action Plan, unveiled in July, commits to cutting red tape and using federal funds to build out data centers. That’s a direct boost to the companies racing to dominate the next wave of AI infrastructure.
A Symbol of Power, Influence — and Alignment
This isn’t just a ballroom. It’s a $250 million symbol of how Silicon Valley, defense firms, and even crypto players are staking their claim in Trump’s Washington — aligning themselves with a president who now seems more like a business partner than an adversary.
Source: Google, Meta, Amazon Fund Trump’s Massive $250M White House Ballroom Project