Donors Behind Trump’s New White House Ballroom: Adelson Family and Hard Rock Among Contributors
Overview of the White House Ballroom Expansion
The Trump administration has initiated an expansion project for the White House, replacing the East Wing with a new ballroom. This ambitious project has attracted funding from a diverse group of contributors, including two prominent names from the gaming industry: the Adelson Family Foundation and Hard Rock International.
Originally budgeted at $200 million, the cost for the construction has now risen to approximately $300 million. This marks the first significant expansion of the White House since 1942, during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency.
Addressing speculation around the ballroom’s name, Trump dismissed claims that it would bear his name, indicating the venue will likely be called the “presidential ballroom” or something similar.
Details About Donors and Their Backgrounds
A disclosed list includes 37 donors who are expected to contribute to the funding of the new ballroom. Many of these donors have had varying levels of connection with Trump and his administration, whether direct or indirect.
Among the contributors, Hard Rock International stands out as the only gambling-related company, while the Adelson Family Foundation is another notable donor. Neither entity has publicly commented on their financial involvement, and the amount each has contributed remains undisclosed.
Historical Context of Key Donors
The inclusion of Hard Rock International as a donor was unexpected given their complicated history with the Trump administration. Hard Rock is owned by the Seminole Tribe, which has faced setbacks and delays in casino developments attributed to policies implemented during Trump’s tenure.
Currently, Hard Rock operates 18 casinos across multiple states in the U.S.
In contrast, the Adelson Family Foundation has maintained a positive relationship with Trump, serving as his largest financial backer since the 2016 presidential campaign. Following the death of Sheldon Adelson, his wife Dr. Miriam Adelson has continued to support Trump’s initiatives.
A symbolic gesture reflecting this alliance was Trump’s decision to relocate the United States Embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, fulfilling a long-standing goal of the Adelson family.
Other Noteworthy Donors
The donor list also includes several recognizable corporations beyond the gaming industry. Defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, technology companies like Meta, and oil industry firms including Booz Allen are among the prominent contributors to the ballroom’s funding.
