Trump Invites Supporters to Mar-a-Lago, Then Says They Can't Afford It
Critics decry the former president's remarks as insensitive and out of touch with struggling Americans.
President Donald Trump offered his supporters a place at his Mar-a-Lago resort as a perk for spending money within the United States, should Republicans win upcoming midterm elections. However, he quickly retracted the invitation, stating that $5,000 would not be enough to purchase even a hamburger and dessert at the exclusive club.
Trump's comments came as he promoted a pledge to send $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans secured victories. This proposal has been described by former prosecutors as a bribe. He noted that the funds would need to be spent domestically, suggesting, "Go to Florida. Go to any one of our great places. You could even come to Mar-a-Lago. You’ll be my guest at Mar-a-Lago."
He immediately followed this by saying, "The problem is that for $5,000, the most you’ll be able to buy is a hamburger and maybe a small dessert." He then further tempered the offer, adding, "I’m not even sure you could buy that," and ultimately advised, "No, don’t go there. That’s not a good place if you’re price conscious."
Trump won the 2024 election in part on promises to lower costs for consumers. However, prices have continued to rise, with inflation reaching 3.7% last month compared to a year prior, a situation attributed in part to his administration's policies. Critics on social media lambasted Trump's remarks as tone-deaf and indicative of his detachment from the financial realities faced by ordinary Americans and even his own supporters. Several commentators highlighted the perceived insult of boasting about the unaffordability of his resort to the very people he seeks to represent.