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Donald Trump’s demolition of the White House East Wing to build a ballroom has entangled media companies whose owners donated to the project while their newsrooms report on it. Comcast and Amazon are among donors; MSNBC hosts denounced such checks, and NBC noted Comcast’s role on air, with no evidence of corporate meddling. The Washington Post endorsed the ballroom, then quietly added a disclosure about Amazon founder and Post owner Jeff Bezos after criticism. Google’s $22 million gift surfaced in court. The Times stayed neutral. Critics warn reputations are at risk.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.