It turns out it's not just “patriotic donorsfinancing new White House ballroom— Tech giant Alphabet, parent company of Google and YouTube, is also doing its part.
CNBC reports that the company is contributing $22 million. to a $250 million projectwhile the money is sent through legal settlement achieved last month due to Trump being banned from YouTube following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
The Google-owned platform froze Trump's account after the riot, warning his posts could incite further violence. Trump later sued, alleging censorship and wrongful removal from office.
Under the agreement in federal court in Oakland, California, nearly 10% of the ballroom's estimated construction cost will now come from Alphabet. CNBC reports that the money will be donated in Trump's name to “The Trust for the National Mall, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the restoration, preservation and construction of the National Mall in support of the construction of the White House State Ballroom.”
Crane images bursting into east wing to make room for 90,000 square foot ballroom sparked public backlash this week and raised new questions about who pays the bills. Trump has repeatedly argued that the project is privately funded and will cost taxpayers nothing.
“For over 150 years, every president has dreamed of a ballroom in the White House that could accommodate people for grand parties, state visits, etc. “I am honored to be the first President to finally launch this much-needed project—at zero cost to American taxpayers!” Trump wrote on Monday on Truth Social.
Trump promised to contribute some of his money to the projectAnd other donors include Lockheed Martin reportedly contributed more than $10 million. Tech companies are also getting involved: In addition to contributing to the settlement, Google will contribute at least $5 million.
Connected | Fox News: Trump's demolition of the White House is okay because Obama
Comcast — the parent company of CNBC — is also listed as a donor, although the amount is unknown. Company will unwind CNBC will have a new parent company, Versant, later this year.
The project has attracted the attention of Treasury Department officials whose offices overlook the demolition site. Department banned staff from sharing images of the work, citing security concerns, although critics argue transparency is vital for public oversight.
East Wing demolition including deletion historic elements such as trees and architectural details have prompted complaints that the project is much more than just a modernization – it represents a significant transformation of one of the country's most symbolic spaces.
Conservationists are also voicing their opinions. On Tuesday, the National Trust for Historic Preservation sent a letter calling for the demolition to be paused until the proper public review processes are completed.
Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust, stressed that while more meeting space could be beneficial, the scale and height of the proposed ballroom could “overwhelm the White House itself” and disrupt its classic design. She called for consultation with relevant review agencies and public input to ensure the project respects the historical significance of the building and its grounds.
“The National Trust stands ready to assist the White House, the National Park Service and relevant review agencies in exploring alternatives and design modifications that will achieve the administration's goals while maintaining the historical integrity and symbolism of the People's House,” Quillen added.
Trump insisted the ballroom “will not interfere with the current building.”
“He will be close to it, but not touch it, and will be completely respectful of the existing building, which I am the biggest fan of,” he said in July.
But it seems that this is no longer the case. New York Times On Wednesday, it was reported that the White House had decided it would be “cheaper and more structurally sound to demolish the East Wing” rather than build an addition. Full demolition is expected to be completed by this weekend.
The White House also rejected criticism, comparing the project with minor changes under former President Barack Obama, for example, adding basketball lanes and baskets to tennis courts. But these changes were far less disruptive than dismantling the East Wing.
With Alphabet, Lockheed Martin and other major donors helping foot the bill, Trump is moving full speed ahead on building a ballroom that he says will be “enjoyed for generations to come,” promising a mix of private financing and personal investment.
The project underscores Trump's position. ongoing hobby leaving an indelible mark on the White House, turning the construction into both a legacy project and a showcase for corporate support.
