Ripple, Coinbase, Tether Fund $300M White House Ballroom Project

  • Ripple, Coinbase, and Tether have contributed to a $300 million White House ballroom project announced on October 23, 2025.
  • The project involves a 90,000-square-foot addition, replacing the East Wing, with construction starting in September.
  • Funding comes from private sources, including Amazon and Google, with significant contributions from crypto firms.

Donor List Revealed

  • Key donors include Ripple, Coinbase, Tether, and Gemini founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.
  • Contribution amounts are undisclosed, but these firms also supported Trump’s January 2025 inaugural fund.
  • Crypto PACs spent over $200 million in the 2024 elections, indicating strong political involvement.

Project Details and Defense

  • The new ballroom will accommodate 650 guests for state events.
  • White House officials describe it as a significant upgrade, dismissing preservationist criticism of the East Wing demolition.
  • Private donations mean no taxpayer expenses, although concerns about transparency persist.

Crypto’s Political Play

  • Donations highlight the expanding influence of the crypto sector in Washington.
  • Ripple and Tether aim to gain favor with Trump's pro-crypto policies.
  • This is seen as a strategic effort to influence regulatory approaches, enhancing industry leverage.