President Trump on Tuesday evening dined with some of the Republican Party's biggest contributors on the White House's Rose Garden patio, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The private dinner illustrates how Trump is using the trappings of the White House to reward mega-donors who are aligned with his political agenda and interests. • Trump last week hosted another dinner for corporations and individuals who are bankrolling his $250 million White House ballroom project.

Zoom out: The dinner on the newly renovated patio featured more than 60 major contributors, plus a number of senior White House advisers and cabinet members. • The president told donors that Democrats were to blame for the prolonged government shutdown, according to a person familiar with this remarks. He also stresse

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