'WH in exile': Stunning report details how Mar-a-Lago went from high society resort to GOP 'nerve center'

10 July 2024

In the past, the name Mar-a-Lago seldom appeared in political articles.

Donald Trump acquired the Palm Beach, Florida resort in 1985, when his primary residence was still in New York City. And it wasn't for another 30 years that real estate developer Trump became a major figure in U.S. politics.

In an article published by the New York Times on July 10, reporters Karen Yourish, Charlie Smart and David A. Fahrenthold describe Mar-a-Lago's evolution from primarily a South Florida society resort to a top location for GOP gatherings.

"Before Mr. Trump became president," the journalists explain, "Mar-a-Lago was a magnet for Palm Beach society, hosting opulent galas from fall through spring that raised funds for some of the nation's most prestigious charities. Political events were rare."

Yourish, Smart and Fahrenthold add, "During the 2014-15 season — the last before Mr. Trump officially entered politics — The Times counted 52 fundraiser events at Mar-a-Lago. Of them, just one was political: the Republican Party of Palm Beach County's annual Lincoln Day dinner."

But in 2024, Mar-a-Lago is a top choice for GOP gatherings — especially of the MAGA variety.

"Since Mr. Trump left office in 2021," Yourish, Smart and Fahrenthold observe, "Mar-a-Lago has transformed into a White House in exile and the nerve center for some of the most extreme elements of the party's MAGA wing. This includes a nearly steady stream of promoters of conspiracy theories that include lies that the 2020 election was stolen and that the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021 was a federal setup."

The reporters note that visiting Mar-a-Lago is now "an essential rite for Republican candidates."

"Since 2021," the Times reporters note, "more than 60 Republicans in or running for Congress or state office have spent money at Mar-a-Lago, most on fundraisers. Their ultimate objective: securing an endorsement or a surprise appearance from Mr. Trump."

Yourish, Smart and Fahrenthold add, "According to federal and state campaign finance filings through the first quarter of 2024, more than $4.7 million has been spent on the property by candidates and political committees since Mr. Trump left the White House and made Mar-a-Lago his permanent residence."

Read the New York Times' full report at this link (subscription required).

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