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Construction has begun on President Donald Trump's $250m, 90,000 sq ft White House ballroom, even as questions mount over who is funding it. Trump says he'll cover significant costs and hinted unnamed donors could give more than $20m; a donor dinner drew executives from firms. Only YouTube's $22m contribution, part of a legal settlement, has been disclosed. Documents suggest donations will flow through the Trust for the National Mall, with potential 'recognition' for contributors. The project's capacity was boosted to 999. The White House defends the plan, while ethics experts, including Richard Painter, warn of a pay-to-play optics problem.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.