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Trump Hosts White House Gala as Crypto Leaders Back $250 Million Ballroom Plan

The privately funded expansion drew ethics questions over donor influence during a government shutdown.

Overview

  • Wednesday’s fundraiser brought 128 business and crypto figures to the White House, including leaders from Coinbase, Ripple, Tether, and Gemini.
  • Trump told guests the project’s financing was already fully covered, with reports describing pledges from senior executives across the industry.
  • Attendees extended beyond digital assets to executives from Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Lockheed Martin, while YouTube contributed $22 million tied to a legal settlement.
  • The event took place during a federal shutdown and a steep crypto market slide, prompting criticism over access for donors pursuing policy outcomes.
  • Crypto firms’ outreach aligns with their push for clearer rules such as the GENIUS Act, as coverage also cites reports alleging sizable Trump-family crypto earnings.