Silicon Valley’s Secret Ballroom Playbook: How Tech Giants Funded the White House

Tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft are facing scrutiny over their quiet roles in funding the Trump administration’s $300 million White House ballroom project, with documents revealing months of private communications before public donor lists emerged.

Microsoft counsel Karen Christian wrote the company was contacted by a fundraiser for the White House ballroom project months before official donor lists were released.

Christian detailed in an internal memo that Microsoft was provided information concerning the Trust for the National Mall’s management of contributions and an invitation to attend a dinner held for supporters of the project, which Microsoft attended.

"Microsoft was provided information concerning the Trust for the National Mall’s management of contributions... and an invitation to attend a dinner held for supporters of the project, which Microsoft attended."

Amazon VP Brian Huseman admitted communication with fundraisers "beginning in August 2025" but denied reviewing construction plans or entering agreements.

Comcast, in contrast, pledged an "unrestricted donation" with "no expectations of receiving anything in return."

Meta, Nvidia, and Apple provided minimal details; Apple’s Tim Powderly stated donations were "handled ethically, honestly, and in full compliance with the law."