Trump increases Mar-a-Lago fee

Donald Trump has raised the membership fee for his Mar-a-Lago resort to $1 million, up from $700,000, marking a 43% increase that critics label as a blatant cash grab. This fee increase, which will open for applications in October, just ahead of the 2024 presidential election, has raised ethical concerns about selling access and political influence. Ethics watchdogs, including Robert Weissman from Public Citizen, argue that the move is indicative of Trump's ongoing strategy to monetize his political connections. The new price tag is intended to attract wealthy donors and alleviate Trump's legal expenses while reinforcing Mar-a-Lago's exclusivity. The increase comes despite Trump’s criticisms of inflation, raising questions about the motivations behind such a substantial hike. Observers note that the club has a history of members receiving political favors during Trump's presidency, further complicating the implications of this price adjustment.