Multiple companies have pledged to donate $5 million or more for what was projected to be a $200 million addition to the executive mansion, and the White House hasn’t yet decided what they will receive in return.
Google, R.J. Reynolds, Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, Palantir and NextEra Energy have donated, and so have firms in the tech, manufacturing, banking and health industries, according to CBS News‘ sources.
Individual donors include Blackstone Group CEO Stephen Schwarzman.
“Lockheed Martin is grateful for the opportunity to help bring the President’s vision to reality and make this addition to the People’s House, a powerful symbol of the American ideals we work to defend every day,” said a spokesperson for the company that has pledged at least $10 million.
Among the Trumpian payoffs being considering for those donors is to have their names etched inside the White House, likely on brick or stone, or being listed on a website, while also benefitting from a tax write-off.
In July, Karolyin Leavitt said the 90,000 square foot structure would be paid for by donors and the president himself.
On Tuesday, Trump said, “I’m paying for it. I’m paying for it,” predicting the cost would be $250 million.
The White House says $200 million has been pledged already, with fundraising continuing.
A pledge form seen by CBS gives donors the option to pay their pledge in full, or to set up an installment plan to be completed by 2027 for “The Donald J. Trump Ballroom at the White House.”
Donors can also request to remain anonymous.