Part 2/9:
Notably, this display of opulence was not funded by taxpayers. Instead, the president invested his own cash, supplemented by the contributions and checks from high-powered corporate executives—including those from Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Lockheed Martin—who were reportedly asked to pay upfront before dining. The message was clear: this is a private venture aimed at impressing clientele and possibly hosting future inaugurations, maybe even his own third-term celebration.