Trump's Resorts: A Proxy for Power and Influence

Trump's luxury resorts have become an unusual political arena and a source of profit for the former president. A new report by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (Crew) reveals that elected leaders from Israel to Iowa have visited Donald Trump's properties 145 times since his inauguration in 2021.

The findings highlight how Trump's business interests have become deeply intertwined with the political landscape, raising concerns about access, influence, and potential conflicts of interest. US political campaigns and committees have spent at least $1.3 million at Trump properties since January 2025, according to a Guardian analysis of campaign finance records.

These visits and expenditures suggest that Trump's resorts have become an extension of his administration, providing a platform for elected officials to interact with the former president and his associates. Critics argue that this blending of business and politics undermines the integrity of the democratic process and raises questions about the privileged access enjoyed by those who patronize Trump's properties.