Report Findings
Elected leaders have visited properties owned by Donald Trump 145 times since his inauguration, according to a report by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). Separately, a Guardian analysis of campaign finance records indicates that US political campaigns and committees have spent at least $1.3 million at Trump properties since January 2025.
This reported spending is likely an undercount, as foreign governments and private corporations are not obligated to disclose their expenditures.
Political and Financial Activity
Mar-a-Lago has emerged as a central hub for political events and fundraising efforts, especially following the closure of the Trump hotel in Washington in 2022. Membership fees at the exclusive club have seen a significant increase, soaring from $100,000 in 2016 to $1 million in 2024.
Records show that the Republican National Committee and Maga Inc. collectively spent $985,449 across 39 occasions at Trump properties in 2025.
Rebecca Jacobs, a research manager at CREW, noted that President Trump has transformed his properties into a central location for political allies and committees to raise funds and establish influence. Walker Davis, CREW's research director, further suggested that Trump's active promotion of his properties communicates to foreign governments and special interests that their patronage holds significance to him.
"President Trump has transformed his properties into a central location for political allies and committees to raise funds and establish influence."
Conflicts of Interest and Precedent
Traditionally, incoming presidents have divested from their business interests to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Donald Trump, however, chose to place his assets into a trust managed by his son, rather than a blind trust, an arrangement that has drawn considerable criticism.
Since January 2025, over 50 special interest groups have paid to host events at Trump properties. This corporate engagement frequently involves golf events, such as Lockheed Martin's "Freedom Invitational" at Trump National Golf Club and a LIV Golf tournament hosted at Trump's Bedminster course.
Foreign government officials are also frequent visitors to Trump properties. Israeli diplomats have recorded 10 visits, while Argentinian officials, including President Javier Milei, made nine visits. Notably, President Milei secured a $20 billion loan from Trump just weeks before delivering a speech at a conservative gala held at Mar-a-Lago.
Access and Policy Influence
Event announcements for functions held at Mar-a-Lago have, at times, highlighted opportunities for interaction with President Trump. A notable instance followed a March fundraiser by The Seasonal Employer Pac at Mar-a-Lago: the Trump administration subsequently announced new H2-B visa slots, a program strongly advocated for by the group.
Adding to this, the Trump Organization itself requested 184 foreign worker visas through the same H-2B program in 2025. The Seasonal Employer Pac later appointed Peter Petrina, who serves as Trump's personal visa filing agent and is a Mar-a-Lago member, as its board chair.
Legal and Enforcement Concerns
Jon Golinger, an attorney and democracy advocate for Public Citizen, commented on the unprecedented level of presidential business engagement in modern history. He referenced constitutional provisions that prohibit presidents from accepting payments from domestic and foreign groups.
While CREW has initiated cases concerning emoluments clauses, presidential immunity may currently shield Trump from prosecution. Golinger further indicated that enforcement against others for campaign finance violations or bribery appears unlikely at this time.