Trump Donates First Salary of Second Term to White House Renovations

Washington, D.C. – In a dazzling display of magnanimity, President Donald J. Trump has publicly donated his entire first presidential salary of his second term to fund lavish renovations at the White House—because nothing says “public service” like redecorating your own residence.

The contribution—rumored to be exactly $400,000—will be poured into upgrades including a new $200 million East Wing state ballroom, featuring sweeping archways, gold chandeliers, and enough space for 650 guests—effectively tripling event capacity. The work kicks off this September and is expected to wrap up before the end of Trump’s term. Construction is privately funded, which conveniently limits Congressional oversight.

But let’s be brutally honest: this donation isn’t noble—it’s almost laughably trivial. Donald Trump reported making more than $1.6 billion in outside revenue and income during his first presidency of the United States, according to financial disclosures reviewed by CREW. While Trump publicly took credit for donating his taxpayer‑funded salary, that ended up being less than 0.1% of the revenue and income he disclosed during his presidency. Far from being a sacrifice, the donation was merely a fig leaf to cover up four years of brazen corruption.

Let’s give credit where it’s due: he showed up at a press conference, posed with a giant check, and said a few words about supporting infrastructure. But remember, critics pointed out that during his first term he stopped making public donation announcements mid‑2020, and some federal agencies reported receiving nothing. VERIFY programs could only confirm partial donations in earlier quarters—nothing authoritative for the full salary.

So yes, he donated his first salary this time around. But in the context of over a billion dollars earned elsewhere, it’s just ceremonial theater. The only real thing being built is his public image.

TL;DR

• $400 k salary “donated” to White House renovations (ballroom, rose garden, etc.)

• $200 million East Wing ballroom, privately funded, massive and opulent

• $1.6 billion+ in outside income during first presidency; salary donation is less than 0.1% of total

• Donation is symbolic, not substantive—more PR than sacrifice