President Trump’s inaugural committee spent millions of dollars on lavish payments to friends and political allies, including $1.5 million to the Trump International Hotel in Washington, DC, a report said on Monday.
The committee — which raised $107 million — doled out $130,000 on seat cushions, $10,000 on makeup and $2.7 million on a Broadway-style rendition of “New York, New York,” according to ABC News.
The pricey display of Frank Sinatra’s classic song was performed during a private event at the 2017 inauguration and was capped off with authentic Las Vegas showgirls who were flown in by Trump ally Steve Wynn, the network said.
Millions of dollars went to close Trump friends and campaign operatives.
Nearly $26 million was handed over to an event planning firm run by Stephanie Winston-Wolkoff, a friend and former adviser to Melania Trump. Winston-Wolkoff also received $1.62 million directly, ABC said.
In addition, the company run by Brad Parscale, Trump’s 2020 campaign manager, received $2.7 million.
Other expenses included $130,000 to Tiffany & Company for salad bowls.
In total, the Trump inaugural committee spent $104 million.
In comparison, then-president-elect Obama’s 2009 inauguration team raised $53.2 million and spent about $51 million.