Mar-a-Lago, the exclusive Palm Beach club owned by former President Donald Trump, has seen a significant increase in revenue in recent years. Trump bought the property for $10 million in 1985, and it is now estimated to be worth $325 million. The club has become one of the most profitable properties in the Trump empire, hosting weddings, nonprofit benefits, and political fundraisers.
The club’s revenue has surged in recent years, with an estimated $40 million in 2023, more than double what it generated in 2019. Since Trump left office, Mar-a-Lago has done $105 million in business, with initiation fees reported to be $700,000 and annual dues exceeding $15,000. Spending by federal campaigns at the club is on pace to reach $2 million in 2024, accounting for only 2% of total spending.
Mar-a-Lago’s success has been attributed to Trump’s political career, with revenue increasing significantly since he entered the presidential race in 2015. Trump himself has credited his campaign for the club’s financial success, with revenues reaching $21 million in 2016. Despite a slight dip in revenue during the Covid-19 pandemic, Mar-a-Lago’s revenue has remained strong, with a record high of $27 million in 2021.
In 2024, Mar-a-Lago is expected to have another record-breaking year in revenue. Trump, who typically spends his summers at his New Jersey golf courses, has been spending more time at Mar-a-Lago during its offseason. With a steady stream of visitors and events, including endorsement seekers and foreign officials, the club is thriving. Initiation fees are set to increase to $1 million in October, with the club currently at full capacity with a waiting list.
Despite the success of Mar-a-Lago, some organizations are choosing not to return for events at the club. Joni Bryan, the executive director of the 917 Society, opted to hold the nonprofit’s annual gala closer to home in 2025. However, Mar-a-Lago’s event business continues to thrive, with the club’s calendar filling up quickly. Trump and the Mar-a-Lago management team are poised to continue capitalizing on the club’s success in the coming years.
