Trump’s Plan to Turn Personal Resorts into Official Presidential Retreats

Presidential retreats have long been part of the office. Early presidents escaped to summer sites to avoid “white gas” from nearby marshes, while later leaders used locations such as the Old Soldiers Home (James Buchanan), Camp Hi-Catoctin (Franklin Roosevelt) and its successor Camp David (Dwight Eisenhower). Camp David has hosted diplomatic meetings, including the 1978 Camp David Accords brokered by Jimmy Carter.

Salon

According to the independent watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), as of June the former president has spent roughly 37 % of his second term at properties he owns, with Mar-a-Lago receiving the most visits. The article notes that when Trump travels, he often stays at his own hotels, a practice that generates revenue for his businesses because the government funds a large portion of the presidential entourage.

Salon

In a separate announcement, Trump has said his forthcoming presidential library in Miami will also function as a hotel, creating another profit center for his family.

Salon

The Salon commentary argues that, despite Trump’s claim that he will personally cover housing costs, taxpayers are likely to incur “many millions” in expenses, primarily for the heightened security required at a private resort. The piece cites a recent incident in which a would-be assassin was apprehended hiding in the golf-course foliage, underscoring the security implications of using a commercial venue for official duties.

Salon

Commentators characterize the strategy as a “grift” that could continue after Trump leaves office, noting that the integration of private resorts into official presidential functions blurs the line between public service and personal profit. The article references author Rick Reilly’s observation that the plan appears to be a “power play” intended to showcase Trump’s dominance to foreign dignitaries.

Salon