Trump Hosts Crypto Leaders at White House Gala to Fund $250M Ballroom Project

U.S. President Donald Trump brought together some of the biggest names in cryptocurrency and business at a high-profile White House fundraiser this week. The exclusive gala, attended by 128 influential figures, was part of Trump’s privately funded campaign to build a $250 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the presidential residence.

Prominent attendees included representatives from Coinbase, Ripple, Tether, and the Winklevoss twins of Gemini, marking one of the most significant intersections of politics and crypto influence to date. Executives from major tech giants—Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Palantir—were also in attendance, alongside telecom leaders T-Mobile and Comcast. Traditional industries were represented by tobacco producers Altria and Reynolds American.

The event drew major financial backers, including oil magnate Harold Hamm, the Lutnick family, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers owners Edward and Shari Glazer—longtime Trump allies. Guests were encouraged to contribute to the construction of the new ballroom, which Trump said would be financed entirely through private donations. The former president boasted that funding was “fully taken care of,” praising donors for their “tremendous support.”

The planned East Wing ballroom, designed to accommodate up to 1,000 guests and equipped with bulletproof glass, has stirred both excitement and controversy. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, questioned whether Trump’s acceptance of large private donations could influence his decision-making and political alliances.

Adding to the intrigue, YouTube reportedly agreed to a $22 million contribution as part of a legal settlement with Trump over his 2021 account suspension. The event follows Trump’s May dinner for top investors in his meme coin project, signaling his continued efforts to blend political power, fundraising, and digital asset enthusiasm into a growing financial movement.