Trump Administration Withholds Donor Information for White House Ballroom Project Despite Promises of Transparency

The Trump administration has kept some donors to the White House ballroom project anonymous, despite a previous commitment to transparency. A donor list released in October by the White House showed that of more than three dozen contributors, names of several companies and individuals were omitted, along with donation amounts. Private donors have pledged roughly $200 million for the 90,000-square-foot project, set to be called the Donald J. Trump Ballroom, as part of an expansion to the East Wing. First unveiled in July 2025, the ballroom will seat up to 650 guests for formal events, far exceeding the East Room’s capacity of about 200. Critics argue that the significant sums flowing into one of Trump’s legacy projects will do little to dispel concerns that those in the president’s donor circle could be rewarded with favorable policy decisions. Among the unnamed contributors are two healthcare firms seeking to expand Medicare reimbursements for their services, financial giant BlackRock, and Jeff Yass, a major investor in TikTok’s parent company. That firm has relied heavily on favorable decisions from the Trump administration to continue operating in the U.S. Last month, Trump hosted donors to his planned White House ballroom for a dinner in the East Room that included major business leaders. Prominent attendees reportedly included executives from Google, R.J. Reynolds, Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, Palantir, and Stephen Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone Group. The event was titled “Establish the Magnificent White House Ballroom,” according to invitations reviewed by outlets. The ballroom’s construction is part of several renovation projects Trump has initiated at the White House, including paving over the Rose Garden lawn, redecorating the Oval Office, and unveiling renderings for a proposed arch near Arlington National Cemetery. A White House official stated that donors who wish to be named publicly will be disclosed but emphasized that those choosing anonymity will be respected.