While the U.S. government remains in limbo during an ongoing shutdown, the White House grounds have been anything but quiet. Construction crews have started demolishing the East Wing to make way for a massive 90,000-square-foot ballroom, a luxury addition expected to accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
Unlike most federal projects, taxpayers aren’t footing the bill for this $250 million development. Instead, President Donald Trump is financing the project entirely through private donations, marking one of the most extravagant renovations to the White House in modern history.
Big Tech and Corporate America Step In
According to a donor list released by the White House on Thursday, some of the nation’s largest technology and defense companies are contributing to the project. Notable funders include Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, alongside defense contractors such as Palantir and Lockheed Martin. Major telecom providers like Comcast and T-Mobile have also joined the roster.
The crypto industry is represented as well, with contributions from Coinbase, Ripple, Tether America, and the Winklevoss twins — highlighting how even digital finance players are finding alignment with Trump’s administration.
While the exact donation amounts remain undisclosed, reports suggest that Google’s $20 million contribution stems partly from a lawsuit settlement involving YouTube’s suspension of Trump’s account following the January 6, 2021 riots. When asked if this sum reflected Google’s full involvement, the company declined to comment.
Silicon Valley’s Changing Relationship with Trump
This new wave of corporate support signals a dramatic shift in Silicon Valley’s relationship with Trump. During his first term, many tech companies distanced themselves from his administration. But as Trump enters his second term, that tone has softened significantly.
For instance, Meta made no donations to Trump’s first inauguration fund but contributed $1 million to his second. Amazon, which previously gave $58,000, has now upped its contribution to a matching $1 million. These increased donations suggest a growing willingness among tech leaders to engage with Trump’s policies and vision.
Why Tech Is Aligning with Trump
Several factors may explain this newfound cooperation. Many leading tech firms are currently facing antitrust lawsuits, and Trump’s administration has taken a more lenient approach compared to the Biden-era FTC, which was notably aggressive under former chair Lina Khan.
Additionally, Trump has embraced artificial intelligence (AI) as a cornerstone of his second-term agenda. In July 2025, the administration unveiled an AI Action Plan, pledging to cut regulatory red tape and channel government funds toward expanding data centers — a direct boost for companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon that dominate cloud infrastructure and AI development.
A Ballroom Symbolizing Power and Partnership
Trump’s new White House ballroom may become more than just a venue for state events; it could serve as a symbol of the deepening ties between Big Tech and Washington. The convergence of political influence, corporate power, and technological ambition underscores a new era — one where data, defense, and design all share the same ballroom floor.
As construction moves forward, the project highlights how political strategy and Silicon Valley capital are increasingly intertwined in shaping the future of both American governance and innovation.