'Unusual step': Top Trump donors could be shut out of inauguration events

Less than two weeks before Donald Trump officially takes the White House, The New York Times reports that top donors — some in the seven-figure range — can no longer purchase tickets for the ceremony, or for private events hosted by the inaugural committee.

According to five people who spoke with the Times and asked to remain anonymous, some of the megadonors "have been placed on waitlists" and have likely missed the opportunity to snag VIP tickets.

Per the Times, "The sums raised by Mr. Trump had already set a record for inaugural fund-raising," considering the MAGA leader's "2017 inauguration committee raised $107 million, and the current one is on pace to approach $200 million, according to one person briefed on the fund-raising."

ALSO READ: Trump intel advisor Devin Nunes still dismisses Russian election meddling as a 'hoax'

This year, the committee has so far raised more than $170 million, according to the report.

Furthermore, the Times reports, "On account of the shortage of seating at V.I.P. events, some donors have taken the unusual step of offering donations as high as $1 million without receiving anything in return."

The New York Times' report is available at this link (subscription required).