As antitrust scrutiny fades and AI investments rise, tech giants fund a lavish East Wing expansion — signaling closer ties to Trump’s second-term administration
White House Ballroom Funded by Tech and Defense Giants
While the U.S. government remains partially shut down, construction crews have begun demolishing the White House’s East Wing to make room for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom — a $250 million project funded entirely by private donors, not taxpayers.
- The ballroom will host up to 1,000 guests and becomes one of the largest additions to the White House in decades.
- According to a list released Thursday, tech heavyweights like Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are among the project’s funders.
- Defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Palantir) and telecom companies (T-Mobile, Comcast) also appear on the donor list.
Crypto companies — including Coinbase, Ripple, Tether America, and the Winklevoss twins — have also contributed, reflecting a broader shift in the industry’s political alignment.
A $20M Google Settlement Tied to the Project
At least $20 million of Google’s contribution stems from a legal settlement over YouTube’s suspension of Trump’s account following the January 6 Capitol attack.
- It’s unclear whether this represents Google’s full donation, or if additional funds were contributed separately.
- TechCrunch has reached out to Google for clarification but has not received a response.
Regardless, the contribution spotlights how settlement terms and policy shifts are now interwoven with political infrastructure investments.
Silicon Valley’s Cold Start with Trump Warms in Second Term
The tech industry’s relationship with Trump has seen a remarkable transformation since 2016:
- Meta did not donate to Trump’s first inauguration but contributed $1 million to his second.
- Amazon increased its donation from $58,000 in 2016 to $1 million this time around.
- Apple and Microsoft — once publicly cautious — are now among the ballroom’s backers.
This thawing reflects a broader strategic recalibration by Big Tech as Trump’s regulatory posture shifts in their favor.
Why Big Tech Is Now Backing Trump — Strategically
There are two key forces driving Big Tech’s growing support:
- Antitrust Softening
Under Biden, tech giants faced aggressive investigations and lawsuits led by FTC Chair Lina Khan.
Trump’s administration, by contrast, has eased enforcement, offering a friendlier legal environment. - AI Investment Incentives
Trump’s AI action plan, unveiled in July, pledges to:- Cut regulatory red tape
- Accelerate federal approvals for AI infrastructure
- Funnel government funding into data center construction
This pro-AI industrial policy is a windfall for companies building and scaling AI — many of whom are now key donors to the ballroom project.
A Symbolic and Strategic Space
Though extravagant, the ballroom serves a deeper function:
- It symbolizes a new political alignment between Big Tech, national security, and federal power.
- It offers a physical venue for hosting summits, private events, and AI policy forums — where influence and access are deeply entwined.
As tech giants face global competition, shifting public sentiment, and regulatory pressure abroad, closer ties to Washington may become essential to protecting business interests at home.
