Blumenthal Demands Tech Records Over Trump Ballroom Donations

Senator Richard Blumenthal, the incoming chair of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, demanded that the Federal Communications Commission and several major technology companies surrender documents regarding donations to President Donald Trump’s ballroom project. The probe examines whether companies with business before the administration used financial contributions to influence policy.

Targeted firms include Apple, Meta, Google, Nvidia, Amazon.com, and Microsoft. Records show Nvidia and Apple each contributed 25 million dollars to the 333 million dollar project, while Microsoft contributed 10 million dollars. Blumenthal stated that "Many of the donors have deep financial, business, or other personal interests before the Administration."

Blumenthal also ordered FCC Chair Brendan Carr to provide records concerning the agency's handling of media company investigations, the Paramount Skydance merger, and the license review of Disney’s ABC stations. He alleged that Carr's actions undermine freedom of speech and the press. The senator warned that failure to comply by January, when Democrats assume control of the subcommittee, will result in subpoenas.