UPDATE: A new report reveals that the majority of corporate donors funding President Donald Trump‘s new $300 million ballroom are represented by just three lobbying firms. The findings from government accountability watchdog Public Citizen have raised eyebrows and sparked urgent calls for transparency.
The report details that lobbyists from Miller Strategies, Ballard Partners, and Michael Best Strategies mingled at a recent fundraising dinner in the White House East Room, where they engaged with top executives from major American corporations, including tech and cryptocurrency giants. This event, held last month, recognized donors who are privately financing the construction of the ballroom, a significant project for the Trump administration.
Guests included representatives from over two dozen well-known firms, such as Altria, Comcast, Microsoft, and T-Mobile. Many of these corporations have retained the lobbying firms since 2025, paying hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for advocacy before Congress and the Trump administration.
Notably, CBS News has uncovered that a fourth firm, Akin, also played a role by providing lobbying or legal services to at least nine of the donor companies. One of Akin’s lobbyists was also present at the East Room dinner, highlighting the interconnectedness of corporate interests and political fundraising.
Lobbyists are reported to have been pivotal in linking their corporate clients with ballroom fundraisers, further emphasizing the need for clear oversight in such fundraising efforts. Among those in attendance were Reince Priebus, former chief of staff to Trump and current president of Michael Best Strategies, along with Jeff Miller and Brian Ballard from their respective firms. Each has declined to comment on their roles at the event.
The report highlights that Ballard Partners represents eleven corporate donors, including Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Palantir. Miller Strategies has six clients, such as Apple and Micron Technology, while Priebus’ firm has five, including Lockheed Martin and Ripple. Akin’s client list includes major players like Google and NextEra Energy.
In a significant development, on Tuesday, Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal, Elizabeth Warren, and Adam Schiff issued a set of questions to Priebus, Ballard, Miller, and political fundraiser Meredith O’Rourke. They are demanding information about their involvement in soliciting funds for the ballroom, including how much they were tasked to raise and whether they would receive a percentage of the proceeds.
“The sheer amount of fundraising necessary to complete this project has clearly required coordination and expertise,” the senators wrote, asserting that the American public deserves clarity on funding for this unprecedented construction project at the White House.
This ongoing investigation into the fundraising effort highlights a growing concern over transparency and accountability in political donations. The senators are pushing for greater disclosure around who is financing the construction of the ballroom, emphasizing that these developments are vital for maintaining public trust in government operations.
As this story continues to evolve, many are left wondering how these revelations will impact the Trump administration and its relationship with corporate donors. The call for transparency is louder than ever, and the implications of this report could resonate in political circles for months to come.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue as more information becomes available.
