Nvidia, Apple each reportedly gave $25 million for Trump's ballroom
AAPL•Nvidia and Apple each reportedly committed $25 million to President Donald Trump's planned White House ballroom, part of $333 million in private donations. The White House declined to release donor information, while Nvidia said its donation was independent of business interests and Apple declined to comment.
1. Donations reported
Nvidia and Apple each committed $25 million to the planned White House ballroom, according to a Washington Post report. The report put private donations for the project at $333 million and said the Adelson family and Dish Network co-founder Charles Ergen each committed $25 million.
2. Project scrutiny
The White House said it would not release donor information. Nvidia said it was proud to donate to a nonpartisan trust and that its support was independent of business interests; Apple declined to comment. Watchdog groups and legal experts have raised concerns about transparency, donor influence and oversight.
3. Ballroom plans
Trump initially said he and wealthy donors would pay for the estimated $400 million project, then unsuccessfully sought $1 billion from Congress for an underground bunker and security features. The planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom is intended to seat 1,000 guests. The Supreme Court allowed construction to continue while Trump challenges a judicial order that would halt much of the development.
