Trump's Mar-a-Lago set to host New Year’s Eve bash with at least 500 guests despite soaring COVID-19 cases
President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to host an extravagant New Year's Eve bash in Mar-a-Lago with hundreds of attendees despite the soaring number of coronavirus cases across the country. Speaking to CNN, a member at Mar-a-Lago -- Trump's favorite holiday spot and his new residential address in Palm Beach, Florida -- said that the president is set to host a lavish NYE party Thursday night. The source claimed at least 500 reservations have been confirmed for the event thus far at the members-only club.
According to Insider, guests reportedly purchased tickets for $1,000 to attend the black-tie event last year. The star-studded event in 2019 was hosted by none other than first lady Melania Trump herself, while her husband stayed back at the White House during the government shutdown at the time. That said, it is unclear what kinds of coronavirus precautions will be observed during the annual event. In the past, Trump has welcomed up to 800 guests for the NYE jamboree.
Conservative youth group Turning Point USA hosted an indoor winter gala at Mar-a-Lago on Friday that was attended by hundreds of guests. It was followed by a 2,000 person event the following night. Insider reported how guests were spotted without masks on and not adhering to social-distancing guidelines. Photos from the event, however, showed waiters and support staff wearing masks. Speaking to CNN, a member of Mar-a-Lago allegedly said that the resort appeared to have "little regard for the pandemic" as "people are going for dinner as usual."
The president's upcoming NYE bash comes as National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci has claimed January's COVID-19 death toll could possibly be the highest yet as people ignored travel warnings during the holidays. The US is recording close to 121,000 cases on a daily basis, per data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
That said, Mar-a-Lago is the most likely location for Trump's life post-presidency. The historic Florida landmark has been a favorite of the former real estate mogul, and is dubbed the "Winter White House."
“No matter what else is happening in the world, he is treated like royalty at Mar-a-Lago. He loves to be here," a club source previously told People. “Mar-a-Lago is iconic, a building he took great pride in renovating when he bought it,” another source said, adding, “It makes sense that he wants to be there and will make the mansion his home.”
The Trumps' residence at Mar-a-Lago is said to feature several bedrooms, sitting rooms, as well as offices for both the president and the first lady. Melania and her interior decorator, Tham Kannalikham, oversaw renovations to the family's private quarters.
“Donald’s apartment, which once belonged to Mar-a-Lago estate creator Marjorie Merriweather Post, will be expanded and spruced up,” a source close to the president told People. “They are definitely renovating his apartment within the Mar-a-Lago Club to make it larger, more modern, and comfortable for his use,” the source added.
Donald, 74, Melania, 50, and their 14-year-old son Barron are currently spending the holidays at the Florida retreat.