fundraisers for Trump solicited Microsoft for White House Ballroom donation

Quick Summary

Documents released by Senator Elizabeth Warren's office reveal that the Trump administration approached Microsoft for a donation to fund a $300 million ballroom at the White House. The request followed President Donald Trump's announcement to replace the East Wing with a privately funded venue. Microsoft confirmed the contact with fundraisers regarding the project.

The Solicitation Request

Documents released by Senator Elizabeth Warren's office reveal that the Trump administration approached Microsoft for a donation to fund a $300 million ballroom project. The request was made in response to President Donald Trump's plans to replace the White House's East Wing with a privately funded ballroom. Microsoft counsel Karen Christian provided details regarding the contact in a written response.

The solicitation occurred roughly two months after the President announced the construction initiative. Microsoft stated that the company was contacted by a fundraiser for the effort regarding a possible donation. The fundraiser provided information concerning the Trust for the National Mall at that time. This interaction was part of a broader inquiry into Big Tech's involvement in the project.

Corporate Response

In response to a Democrat-led letter, Karen Christian, counsel for Microsoft, detailed the company's interaction with the administration. She stated that Microsoft "was contacted by a fundraiser for the effort regarding a possible donation." This contact took place around two months after the President's announcement regarding the East Wing replacement.

Microsoft noted that during this interaction, the company was provided information concerning the Trust for the National Mall. The response clarified the extent of the company's involvement in the privately funded ballroom discussions. The documents highlight the specific timing and nature of the fundraising request.

Political Context

The documents were released amid a Democrat-led letter questioning Big Tech's involvement in the ballroom's construction. The inquiry focused on the propriety of private donations for public infrastructure projects. The $300 million ballroom plan generated significant attention regarding the funding mechanisms involved.

The release of these documents by Senator Elizabeth Warren's office underscores the ongoing scrutiny of the Trump administration's fundraising efforts. The interaction between Microsoft and the fundraisers serves as a specific example of the outreach conducted for the project.