‘An extension of his administration’: how Trump’s resorts became a proxy for access and power
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Since Donald Trump’s inauguration, elected officials and political groups have visited his properties 145 times, spending at least $1.3 million, primarily at Mar-a-Lago, which has become a key political and profit hub.
- The Republican National Committee and Maga Inc accounted for the majority of spending, totaling nearly $1 million across 39 events, with corporate and foreign government expenditures likely much higher but less transparent.
- Trump’s ownership of luxury resorts, including Mar-a-Lago where membership fees have surged to $1 million, contrasts with traditional presidential divestment practices, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and presidential profiteering.
- Special interest groups and foreign officials use Trump properties for fundraising and access to the president, with some
