Trump boasts about giving up his first ‘paycheck’ to renovate White House and fans call it 'patriotism'

WASHINGTON, DC: As debate over a planned White House ballroom sparked viral buzz online, President Donald Trump jumped into the spotlight with a proud announcement on August 6. 

In a post shared on his Truth Social account, Trump revealed he had donated his first "paycheck" toward what he called a much-needed renovation of the White House. 

His statement followed a widely circulated video of him touring the White House rooftop, discussing construction plans, and cracking offbeat jokes with reporters.

Trump declares he spent his first 'paycheck' on White House renovation

In a Truth Social post shared with his 10 million followers on August 6, President Donald Trump announced he had donated his $400,000 presidential salary to support renovations at the White House, what he referred to as the “People’s House.”

“I am proud to be the only President (with the possible exception of the Late, Great George Washington) to donate my Salary,” Trump wrote. 

He added, "My first “Paycheck” went to the White House Historical Association, as we make much needed renovations to the beautiful “People’s House.”

“Great improvements and beautification is taking place at the White House, at levels not seen since its original creation. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he concluded.

What did Karoline Leavitt say about Trump’s support for the ballroom?

Trump’s announcement followed a statement from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who revealed during a press briefing that the president, along with other private donors, would contribute funds toward the construction of a 90,000-square-foot White House State Ballroom, projected to cost approximately $200 million. Construction is scheduled to begin in September.

“For 150 years, presidents, administrations, and White House staff have longed for a large event space on the White House complex that can hold substantially more guests than currently allowed." Leavitt said.

She added, “President Trump has expressed his commitment to solving this problem on behalf of future Administrations and the American people."

Has President Trump previously donated his salary?

Trump also donated his presidential salary during his first term in 2017. That year, the White House announced that his second-quarter salary was directed to the Department of Education, with plans to use the funds to support a STEM-focused camp for students.

"Since taking office, President Trump has been donating his quarterly salary to initiatives of national significance," the release stated. In the first quarter, his salary went to the Department of the Interior, with the funds allocated to the National Park Service.

The release continued, "In Quarter 1, President Trump donated his salary to the Department of Interior, and the funds went to the National Park Service to aid in its goal of preserving our country’s national security."

Internet reacts to Trump proudly saying he gave his first salary to WH renovation

Within hours of Trump sharing his post on Truth Social, it drew significant attention, racking up thousands of impressions and sparking a flood of comments from supporters.

One user wrote, “Thank you Sir for your patriotism, devotion and unconditional loyalty to the American people! ❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸” Another hailed him as, “The greatest of all time‼️ @realDonaldTrump.”

A curious commenter asked, “I’ve never heard of any other president doing this! Have you?”

Another praised the gesture, writing, “And you donate to such great causes. Thank you for setting the example!!”

One supporter expressed deep admiration, saying, “God bless you for being the best President ever! 🇺🇸❤️🙏 We love you and your beautiful family.”

Another user shared, “@realDonaldTrump Thank you for spending your own money and improving our historic White House.”

A supporter commented, “Simply amazing. This is why I support the Trump brand. Future generations need to see we had President Trump’s back. We had his Family’s back! He is an extremely wealthy and successful businessman he doesn’t need to do this but he did to Save America. The greatest Nation on Earth. One Nation Under God! God Bless America.”

Another user pointed out, “No other potus has worked for free plus donates his own money to make the white house even more beautiful for future Commanders in Chief. Keep praying for President Trump's safety.”

One longtime supporter recalled, “I remember your first term when you donated your salary then too. 👍”

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