President Donald Trump hosted several high-dollar donors and investors for a “Legacy Dinner” in recognition of their support for his $200 million ballroom project at the White House on Wednesday night.
Axar.az reports, citing CNN, construction on the 90,000-square-foot ballroom began in September, a project that Trump said would allow space for “tens of thousands” of people during the course of a year.
“The American presidents need to be able to showcase our country,” Trump said, calling the project a “really historic effort.”
Representatives from Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Meta, Google, Amazon, T-Mobile, Tether and Palantir were among those who attended the dinner in the East Room, according to a White House official, with several of the companies represented having business with or before the federal government.
Also spotted at the dinner, which was partially open to press, were co-founders of cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss; NewsMax anchor Greta Van Susteren; and former Republican National Committee chair and former Trump chief of staff Reince Priebus.
Though officials previously described the event as a fundraiser for the ballroom and other beautification projects, a White House official said Wednesday night that it was a “thank you” dinner. Trump noted in remarks how the ballroom project is now fully funded.
“You’ve been so generous in your contributions. Very substantial money, fully financed. It’s fully taken care of now,” he said.