"While the U.S. government remains in limbo during a shutdown, the White House grounds have been busy this week. Construction workers have begun demolition on the White House's East Wing, which will be replaced by a 90,000-square-foot ballroom that's estimated to hold up to 1,000 guests. Taxpayers are not funding President Donald Trump's $250 million project. Rather, he is using private donations to construct his lavish addition to the White House."
"The White House released a list of the project's funders on Thursday, which include some of the most influential American tech companies, like Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, as well as defense companies like Palantir and Lockheed Martin and telecom providers like Comcast and T-Mobile. The crypto industry is also represented among the White House ballroom donors, with money coming from Coinbase, Ripple, Tether America, and the Winklevoss twins."
"It is not clear how much each donor has contributed to the project. However, at least $20 million from Google is part of a recent lawsuit settlement over YouTube's suspension of Trump's account after the January 6, 2021, riots. TechCrunch asked Google if the money from the settlement represents the full extent of the company's contributions, but has not yet received an answer."
Construction crews have begun demolishing the White House's East Wing to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom estimated to hold up to 1,000 guests. The $250 million project will be funded by private donations rather than taxpayer money. Donors listed include major tech companies (Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft), defense contractors (Palantir, Lockheed Martin), telecom providers (Comcast, T-Mobile), and cryptocurrency firms (Coinbase, Ripple, Tether America, Winklevoss twins). At least $20 million from Google is tied to a lawsuit settlement related to YouTube. Specific contribution amounts remain unclear. Silicon Valley's support for Trump has increased compared to 2016.
Read at TechCrunch
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