Trump Donates First Presidential Salary to White House Renovations

President Donald Trump announced he has donated his first presidential salary installment to the White House Historical Association for renovation projects. In a social media statement, the President indicated the funds would support improvements to what he referred to as the 'People's House.' The annual presidential salary stands at $400,000, though the exact amount of this particular donation was not specified.

The donation announcement comes shortly after White House Press Secretary revealed plans for a new White House ballroom. According to official statements, the approximately $200 million ballroom project will be funded by President Trump and other private donors rather than taxpayer funds. Construction is scheduled to begin in September, with the Press Secretary noting the facility would address a 150-year need for larger event space on the White House grounds.

This continues a pattern from Trump's first administration, during which he also donated his presidential salary. In 2017, the White House reported that his second-quarter salary was directed to the Department of Education to support a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) camp for students. His first-quarter salary that year reportedly went to the Department of Interior for National Park Service initiatives.

The White House Historical Association, recipient of the current donation, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1961 that supports the preservation and public education efforts regarding the White House. The organization typically funds acquisitions for the White House collection, educational programs, and various restoration projects for the historic residence. The President characterized the current renovation work as improvements 'at levels not seen since its original creation.'