Full Breakdown
Allegations of Money-Laundering in the White House Ballroom Funding
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Allegations and Context
Former Justice Department pardon attorney Liz Oyer accused the donation program for the White House ballroom of functioning as a “money-laundering operation.” Oyer made the claim in a YouTube commentary reacting to a Washington Post investigation that released an internal spreadsheet showing $333 million in private contributions. The spreadsheet listed 57 donors who each pledged $100,000 or more, with at least $77 million coming from donors who requested anonymity. The Post noted that its reporting does not establish a direct link between the donations and any favorable actions by the administration.
Funding Details and Notable Contributions
Among the disclosed donors, Isabela Herrera contributed $2.5 million to the ballroom after giving $3.5 million to the pro-Trump political action committee MAGA Inc. Her father, international banker Julio Herrera Velutini, had faced bribery charges in 2022 that were later reduced to a misdemeanor. Other high-profile contributions cited by Oyer include:
- Rocket, a company founded by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Daniel Gilbert, whose subsidiary pledged $10 million three weeks after a federal housing agency approved Rocket’s purchase of a rival.
- Salesforce and CEO Marc Benioff, who contributed $3 million.
- Dish Network co-founder Charles Ergen, who gave $25 million months after regulators dropped an investigation of his company.
- Joseph Popolo Jr. and his wife, who donated $1 million two months after his confirmation as ambassador to the Netherlands.
The Post reported that the Trust for the National Mall channels the money into a White House account under President Donald Trump’s direct control.
Official Response
No administration official directly addressed Oyer’s money-laundering allegation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s using it as a front to accept cash payments in exchange for political favors,” — Liz Oyer, department pardon attorney
- “The donor list was supposed to be a secret, probably because it makes it quite clear that the way you get a favor from Trump is by cutting a big check,” — Liz Oyer, department pardon attorney
- “We need leaders who are going to investigate, prosecute, and end this corruption,” — Liz Oyer, department pardon attorney