Benjamin Leon Jr. Attends White House Dinner Honoring Financial Supporters of Trump's Ballroom Project
Benjamin Leon Jr., a nominee for ambassador to Spain, rushed to a White House security checkpoint for a dinner honoring financial supporters of President Trump's ballroom construction project. He and his wife were allowed in by Secret Service officers. The exclusive guest list of about 130 included prominent figures like Nvidia's Ned Finkle, Extremity Care's Oliver Burckhardt, Boxabl's Paolo Tiramani and Galiano Tiramani, and Coinbase's Kara Calvert. Guests from companies that made significant contributions to the ballroom project were also present. The attendees enjoyed a meal and had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Trump, who mentioned plans for future architectural projects. Despite some concerns from Democrats, the construction of the ballroom is progressing as planned. California Rep. Mark Takano introduced two bills related to the ballroom, but their passage is uncertain. The construction of the ballroom is privately financed, and companies have made both financial and in-kind contributions to the project. The investigation into the ballroom's financing is ongoing, with a focus on foreign donations and potential government favors. The Trust for the National Mall is collecting donations for the ballroom project, with a small administrative fee applied to each donation. Mr. Trump also shared plans for a new arch project near the Lincoln Memorial during the dinner.