The Cost of the Inauguration - State and Federal Communications

January 17, 2017  •  

The Cost of the Inauguration

Capitol at DuskPresident-Elect Trump’s Inauguration is estimated to cost around $200 million. The official events, including the swearing-in ceremony, security, and the parade, will be paid for by the federal government.

Security is the biggest expense, accounting for almost half of the budget. The inaugural ball and other festivities will be covered by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, which raises money through private donors. The committee has raised a record $100 million-plus, which is almost double the committee for President Obama raised in 2009.

Inaugural committees have few regulations, but each administration sets their own rules and limits on donations. President George W. Bush capped the amount each individual and corporation could donate. In 2009, Obama allowed individual gifts up to $50,000, but banned donations from lobbyists and corporations.

Trump did not place restrictions on donations from individuals, but his committee has refused donations from federal lobbyists and capped corporate contributions to $1 million.

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