Donald Trump generally throws a lavish affair reminiscent of Jay Gatsby's extravagant gatherings in his mega-mansion on the sea. This year, everything has changed.
"Men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars," F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote. He may as well be referring to the gowns and tuxedos at Mar-a-Lago.
As the president knuckles down on his demand for a "big, beautiful wall," the government continues to be shut down. The optics of Trump relishing in gold and finery while his government employees are forced to find excuses for landlords and mortgage companies.
Vanity Fair reported that some power-hungry influencers seeking Trumpian favor were canceling their reservations when they learned the president wasn't attending.
"Those individuals who thought they won the lottery when they wrangled invitations will be big-time losers when the president proves conspicuously missing," the site explained. "There have been all kinds of last-minute cancellations. Since it’s within seven days, there’s no refund, but the only reason these people were coming was to be with the president, and they quickly made other plans."
After Trump's win in 2016, he addressed a crowd that was considerably less famous than previous years. Sylvester Stallone and Fabio were the only celebrities, despite years of A-listers attending. That year, no one wanted to risk their career being associated with the newly elected president.
“I want to thank my members,” Trump said to the group. “I don’t really care too much about their guests, because the ones I really care about are the members. I don’t give a shit about their guests. I just love my members.”
This year, Trump decided to jack up the price for the gala. The decision was made before he was forced to pull out of attending.
"As far as Trump’s presence in the club, for some members the bloom is off the rose and the petals are falling," Vanity Fair noted.
“Trump will be most missed by those who monitor the bottom line,” one longtime member explained. “People are cancelling their dinner reservations in droves, though in some ways it’s a more pleasant club when Trump isn’t here. There’s not the massive security getting in and out, and the atmosphere is more casual and easy-going. But New Year’s Eve will not be the same without Trump.”
"Members learned they would be charged $650 plus service fees, while their guests would pay $1,000 plus service charge and tax, for a grand total of around $1,240," VF reported. The service charge doesn't go to any of the wait staff. The club keeps it all.
Melania Trump will be on hand at the club in Palm Beach.
