Nvidia, Apple each gave $25 million for Trump's ballroom: Washington Post

Nvidia and Apple each pledged $25 million to fund the planned White House ballroom for US President Donald Trump, according to a report by the Washington Post on Thursday. The Adelson family, prominent financial backers of Trump and his Republican Party, also contributed $25 million to the project, which has already raised a total of $333 million in private donations.

Billionaire Charles Ergen, co-founder and chairman of Dish Network, made a similar $25 million donation. Notably, the president himself is not included on the list of donors, as reported by the Post. While the White House declined to disclose the names of donors, spokesman Davis Ingle stated that the contributions represent a diverse array of American companies.

The company's spokesperson emphasized that Nvidia's support for the project is independent of any business interests, as it is a nonpartisan trust serving Americans. Apple, on the other hand, chose not to comment on the matter. The scale of the ballroom project, along with the administration's fundraising tactics and disclosure practices, have drawn criticism from watchdog groups and legal experts, who raise concerns about transparency, donor influence, and adherence to established ethics and oversight norms.

Trump had initially intended to pay for the estimated $400 million project with contributions from wealthy donors, but later sought $1 billion from Congress for additional features, including an underground bunker and security enhancements. According to the Post, the vast majority of the funds raised came from companies and individuals with potential conflicts of interest, as many have had government contracts during Trump's second term.

The project is part of Trump's broader efforts to reshape Washington through unilateral changes, which have faced legal challenges and accusations of power-grabbing. The US Supreme Court allowed Trump to continue construction of the ballroom while he contests a judicial order halting much of the development, with Chief Justice John Roberts dissenting and labeling the project likely unlawful.

The ballroom, designed to accommodate 1,000 guests, has received public backlash due to the demolition of the historic East Wing, which previously housed the first lady's offices and the White House movie theater. Trump asserts that the proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom will incorporate bomb shelters, medical facilities, defenses against drones and missiles, and other security measures, arguing that it is necessary for national security.

The administration now defends the project as such, echoing the president's previous claims about the triumphal arch.