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Can You Tour Mar-a-Lago? Exploring the President’s Florida Mansion

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

The historic Mar-a-Lago estate located in Palm Beach, Florida has been a favorite destination for the President of the United States since the 1920s. This luxurious estate is known for its grand architecture, lush gardens, and fascinating history. For many years, visitors have been able to take guided tours of the property, allowing them to experience the beauty of this presidential retreat firsthand. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of touring Mar-a-Lago and uncover some of the secrets behind the estate’s storied history.

Exploring the Historic Mar-a-Lago Estate: A Guide to Touring the President’s Florida Mansion

Mar-a-Lago was built by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1927 as a winter retreat for her and her family. The estate includes a 17-acre Italian-style villa, which boasts 58 bedrooms, 33 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces, 3 bomb shelters, and a theater. The grounds are equally impressive, featuring lush gardens, pools, fountains, and outdoor terraces.

How to Access a Tour of Mar-a-Lago

Tours of Mar-a-Lago are offered several times a year, typically on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. Visitors must book their tour in advance and are required to show valid photo identification upon arrival. Tickets cost $20 per person and can be purchased at the estate’s website or by calling the number provided. All tours include a guide who will lead you through the grounds and provide interesting facts about the estate and its history.

What to Expect During a Tour

During your tour, you’ll get to see some of the estate’s most famous features, such as the Grand Hall, the Library, and the Presidential Suite. You’ll also get to view the beautiful gardens and take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Depending on the day, you may even catch a glimpse of the President himself as he moves between meetings and events at the estate.

Behind the Scenes of Mar-a-Lago: What You Can Expect on a Tour

As you explore the estate, you’ll gain an insight into the private life of the President, from his personal living quarters to the lavish ballroom where he hosts state dinners. You’ll also discover the unique features of the estate, such as the underground tunnel that connects the main house to the pool area, as well as the private beach where the President often spends his downtime.

Uncovering the Secrets of Mar-a-Lago: A Look at the Presidential Retreat

Mar-a-Lago has long been a place of historical significance. It served as a meeting place for world leaders during the Cold War and has hosted numerous famous guests over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, as well as celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. It’s also been the site of many special events, such as weddings, galas, and charity fundraisers.

A Walk Through History: Visiting the Mar-a-Lago Estate

Touring Mar-a-Lago is a unique opportunity to explore the estate’s grounds and gardens. You’ll get to walk through the terraced lawns, admire the exotic plants and trees, and soak up the sun on the beach. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

The Ultimate Guide to Touring Mar-a-Lago: An Insider’s Look at the President’s Mansion

To ensure you make the most of your visit to Mar-a-Lago, here are some insider tips: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Bring sunscreen and a hat if it’s sunny. And don’t forget to bring your camera to snap some memorable photos!

Visiting Mar-a-Lago is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a glimpse into the life of the President and the history of this iconic estate. From the lush gardens to the grand architecture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With a little planning and preparation, you can make the most of your tour and uncover the secrets behind the walls of the President’s Florida mansion.

Links to Further Information:

• Official Website of Mar-a-Lago
• National Park Service: Mar-a-Lago
• White House Historical Association: Mar-a-Lago

Contact Information:

• Phone: (561) 832-2600

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Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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Can You Visit Mar a Lago: A Guide to the Exclusive Presidential Retreat

Can You Visit Mar a Lago?

Yes, you can visit Mar-a-Lago.

However, it is important to note that Mar-a-Lago is a members-only club with guest rooms and amenities.

• Access to the property is restricted to club members and their guests.
• It is not open to the general public for casual visits or tours.

Key Points:

• Mar-a-Lago is a members-only club with guest rooms and amenities.

Did You Know?

1. Despite its opulence and exclusivity, Mar-a-Lago was actually built in the 1920s as a grand winter retreat for cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post.

2. The lavish estate, situated in Palm Beach, Florida, boasts a staggering 128 rooms, making it one of the largest houses in the United States.

3. Mar-a-Lago’s extensive grounds span over 17 acres, featuring beautiful gardens, multiple pools, and even a private beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean.

4. In the 1980s, Mar-a-Lago faced potential demolition due to maintenance costs. However, before it was torn down, Donald Trump purchased the estate in 1985 and restored it to its former glory.

5. An interesting fact about visiting Mar-a-Lago is that the membership fee to join the club was doubled from $100,000 to $200,000 following Trump’s election as the 45th President of the United States.

History And Ownership Of Mar-A-Lago

Mar-a-Lago , an exquisite resort and National Historic Landmark located in Palm Beach, Florida , has a rich history dating back to its construction in the 1920s . Marjorie Merriweather Post , the heiress of General Foods , originally built the estate between 1924 and 1927 . It was intended to be a winter residence for Post and her husband. Throughout the years, this magnificent property has become a hub for hosting extravagant events .

In 1985 , Mar-a-Lago found a new owner in the form of real estate tycoon and businessman Donald Trump . Post’s estate, which was listed for $20 million , was acquired by Trump for a significantly lower price of $7 million . Recognizing the tremendous potential of the estate, Trump converted the mansion into the Mar-a-Lago Club . It is now a prestigious members-only club that offers luxurious guest rooms and a wide array of amenities.

Features And Revenues Of Mar-A-Lago

Mar-a-Lago is an impressive estate boasting a range of luxurious features. It includes 58 opulent bedrooms , 33 lavish bathrooms , a stately 29-foot-long dining table , 12 exquisite fireplaces , and even three bomb shelters —showcasing both elegance and security. This architectural masterpiece, designed in the Spanish Revival style, extends from the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the serene shores of Lake Worth Lagoon.

Under Trump’s ownership , the Mar-a-Lago Club has achieved significant financial success. In the fiscal year spanning from June 2015 to May 2016, the club recorded an astonishing $29.7 million in gross revenues. Although revenues slightly fluctuated in the subsequent years, with $25.1 million in 2017, $22 million in 2018, and $21.4 million in 2019, the club has consistently remained a profitable venture. Forbes estimated the value of the entire estate at around $160 million in 2018, highlighting its remarkable worth.

Mar-A-Lago As A Presidential Destination

Mar-a-Lago earned the distinction of being referred to as both the “Winter White House” and the “Southern White House” during Trump’s presidency. Trump frequently visited this stunning retreat and even hosted numerous meetings with international leaders there. Notable among these meetings was the gathering with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe in February 2017, which showcased the resort’s appeal as a presidential destination . Trump also used Mar-a-Lago as a venue for campaign events, like the memorable rally at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport during his stay.

Some questions have been raised about the access that club members had to Trump and his entourage during his visits to Mar-a-Lago . To enhance transparency, the “Mar-a-Lago Act” was proposed as a legislative measure to publish visitor logs at the White House and other locations where the president performs official business.

Controversies And Legal Issues Surrounding Mar-A-Lago

Mar-a-Lago has faced numerous controversies and legal disputes. Since 2013, there have been multiple reports of health code violations, raising concerns about compliance with regulations. The estate has also been involved in legal battles with Palm Beach town officials on various issues, highlighting the challenges faced by a property of this significance and size.

In 2022, a notable controversy arose when a lawsuit accused Trump of inflating the value of Mar-a-Lago to a staggering $739 million. This dispute underscores the complexities involved in maintaining and managing a property of this magnitude.

Recent FBI Investigation At Mar-A-Lago

In a significant turn of events, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a search of Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago in August 2022. This investigation forms part of an ongoing probe into the potential mishandling of classified documents . The search serves as a stark reminder that even prestigious locations like Mar-a-Lago are not immune to scrutiny and legal scrutiny.

Despite these controversies and legal challenges, Mar-a-Lago remains an iconic and exclusive destination . Its allure as a resort, national treasure, and former presidential retreat ensures its enduring place in history and as a symbol of luxury and power .

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can guests stay at mar-a-lago.

Yes, Mar-a-Lago offers the option for guests to stay overnight. Members and their guests can schedule an appointment with the Front Desk to view unoccupied rooms and discuss availability and pricing. Whether for a relaxing retreat or an extravagant weekend getaway, Mar-a-Lago provides the opportunity to indulge in the luxurious experience of staying at this iconic destination.

Can you play golf at Mar-a-Lago?

While Mar-a-Lago itself does not have a golf course, members and visitors can take advantage of the close proximity to the Trump International Golf Club, which is just a short five-minute drive away. This renowned club offers a premier golfing experience with its meticulously maintained course and world-class amenities. So, while you won’t find a golf course within the grounds of Mar-a-Lago, you’ll have easy access to an exceptional golfing destination nearby.

What is the dress code for Mar-a-Lago?

The dress code at Mar-a-Lago requires men to wear a jacket and tie during dinner and brunch. It strictly prohibits the use of any type of jeans, ensuring a formal and sophisticated atmosphere. This policy emphasizes the club’s commitment to maintaining an elegant and upscale environment for its members and guests. By adhering to these rules, Mar-a-Lago creates an ambiance of refinement and class, befitting its esteemed reputation.

References: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4

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Mar-a-lago tours.

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Pay the admission fee for Mar-a-Lago and take your time exploring. You'll find this social and recreational club located in the picturesque island of Palm Beach . When you're done, this area has even more on offer — Rosemary Square, Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society and Henry Morrison Flagler Museum are also worth dropping by.

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Reviews of mar-a-lago, 1/5 - terrible.

It’s a drive by, cannot stop for traffic. Impressive house though!

take an Uber 'cause the feds will get you if you stop to take a photo of that bigly beautiful flag

If you want to see where DJT hangs out, when he gets tired of doing more damage in the WH, drive on by.

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Mar-a-lago-club Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews

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Mar-a-lago-club

• Address: 1100 South Ocean Boulevard Palm Beach, Florida 33480, United States Map
• Timings: 07:00 am - 10:00 pm Details
• Phone: +1-5618322600
• Time Required: 03:00 Hrs
• Tags: Golf Course, Club, Leisure , Spa, Adults, Swimming Pool

Mar-a-Lago Club is an exclusive property located in the heart of Palm Beach. This club has two-acres of private beach on the East Coast and has been one of the most impressive private clubs. The club is known for its signature European dining, a world-renowned oceanfront swimming pool, the luxurious Trump Spa and Salon, the beach club, championship tennis courts, a croquet court and a golf course. The Mar-a-Lago Club has received many awards and recognitions for its world class hospitality and is one of the most celebrated private clubs in the world.

Entrance Ticket Details For Mar-a-lago-club

• Check the club website for ticket and membership prices.

How to Reach Mar-a-lago-club

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• Mar-a-lago-club Address: 1100 South Ocean Boulevard Palm Beach, Florida 33480, United States
• Mar-a-lago-club Contact Number: +1-5618322600
• Mar-a-lago-club Timing: 07:00 am - 10:00 pm
• Best time to visit Mar-a-lago-club(preferred time): 07:00 am - 07:00 pm
• Time required to visit Mar-a-lago-club: 03:00 Hrs
• Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary!

Mar-a-lago-club Reviews & Ratings

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He needs to go to jail for life!!!

Trumpty Dumpty is a LOSER! Lying big fat sack of SHIT

Why is fat Donny not in jail? He is a fat piece of shit.!

Would love to tour Mar-a-lago. Love our President. Would sincerely b an honor.

He is not the president you stupid moron.,

Marvin, you've identified yourself as someone who he doesn't want there so please stay away, you hateful loser.

The bloated orange raping traitor doesn't want rednecks, trailer trash or low IQ supporters on the premises.

01/24/20202 Is there a charge for parking at Mar A Lago, Palm Beach, FL? We are attending a function there, and would like to know in advance. Thank you.

No. There is no charge for parking at Lago Mar.

Do you have to be Club Member to check this place out?

Thanks for the Info, Johnny!

Yes, Mar-a-Lago is a private club. But, there may be some facilities that are open to non-members. I would suggest contacting the administration on 561.832.2600 to confirm. 

who owned Mar-a-lago-club before the Trumps?

Mar-a-Lago Club was built by American businesswoman and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post.

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History of Mar-a-Lago

Post cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post was Mrs. Edward F. Hutton when she commissioned Marion Sims Wyeth to build her a 58-bedroom Spanish-Moorish-Portuguese-Venetian palace on 17 acres of jungle between the ocean and the Intracoastal. By the time it was finished in 1927, Joseph Urban, a Viennese architect and theater designer, had provided much of the ornamentation.

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How long did it take to build Mar-a-Lago?

Six hundred workers labored for more than three years to build Mar-a-Lago, using boatloads of Italian stone and about 36,000 antique Spanish and Portuguese tiles, as well as old marble floors and roof tiles from Cuba. The estate’s 75-foot tower is a South Florida landmark — and a navigational aid to boaters.

When she died in 1973, Post gave Mar-a-Lago to the U.S. government for a presidential retreat, but the government balked at its million-dollar-a-year maintenance cost and its location under the Palm Beach International Airport’s flight path.

There's no sidewalk. How can people "see" Mar-a-Lago?

The main entrance is on South Ocean Boulevard. To see Mar-a-Lago, you have to do a drive-by. People can park and walk by, though you'll be in the roadway. It's not uncommon for people to pull over their cars to catch a view. It is, however, very dangerous because there is no sidewalk, and there's no shoulder on the side of the road.

Is Mar-a-Lago open to the public?

It's a private club so generally Mar-a-Lago is not open to the public. Mar-a-Lago closes on Mother's Day after the traditional final brunch of the social season and reopens on Halloween.

How big is Mar-a-Lago?

Mar-a-Lago is 17 acres. It sounds like a lot for an estate, but there's a lot going on there. The private club has 500 members. Amenities include tennis, the Beach Club, croquet court and a spa.

We don't know the exact size of the living quarters of Mar-a-Lago — but it is speculated to be somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 square feet.  

What does 'Mar-a-Lago' mean?

Mar-a-Lago, which means “Sea to Lake” in Spanish, sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.

When did Trump buy Mar-a-Lago?

In 1985, Donald Trump paid $10 million for the estate, which featured 33 bathrooms, three bomb shelters and a nine-hole golf course. Ten years later, he converted it to a private club with a spa, tennis and croquet courts, a new ballroom and beach club.

Pics: Ivana Trump, the first Mrs. Trump, at Mar-a-Lago and in Palm Beach over the years

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How much is Mar-a-Lago worth?

In 2018, Forbes estimated the value of the Mar-a-Lago estate at about $160 million.

What was Mar-a-Lago like when Trump was president?

When Trump was president, he would host events and would drop in to events and galas unexpectedly. He was often seen on the dining patio. Many of the people there were among his biggest supporters.

Where is Mar-a-Lago located?

The luxury estate, which spans 17 acres of prime waterfront real estate, is located in Palm Beach. When Trump was president, his motorcade usually took Southern Boulevard for his trips between the Palm Beach International Airport and Mar-a-Lago. 

After FBI search , supporters with signs, loud music cruise past Mar-A-Lago

What are some interesting Mar-a-Lago facts?

These quick hits were from the Palm Beach Post archives. Subscribe to the Palm Beach Post to read more fascinating stories about Mar-a-Lago, Trump and other Palm Beach coverage .

• In 1928, a deadly hurricane came ashore that year near West Palm Beach. Mar-a-Lago was left relatively unscathed. 

• The owner’s bedroom is still decorated as it was then in a Louis XV style.

• Several rooms have themes and names such as the Adam and American room.

• The fireplace in the nursery has a Sleeping Beauty theme.

Security at Mar-a-Lago

There were a number of security breaches during Trump's presidency, with some occurring when he was not in town.

• In January 2020, an opera singer made it through the security checkpoints. There was a high-speed chase through all of the barricades all the way down past Mar-a-Lago. Her car was shot at multiple times. She survived, but her car was destroyed. The woman, who has a history of mental illness, entered an insanity defense.

Woman who drove past Secret Service barricades at Mar-a-Lago found not guilty by reason of insanity

• Two Chinese women tried to enter Mar-a-Lago. One woman was carrying four cell

phones and a USB infected with malware.

• A University of Wisconsin student was intercepted when he was in the tunnel, which

connects the club to the beach.

• Other people have hidden in the bushes — and been caught.

Contributing: Christine Stapleton, Antonio Fins, Palm Beach Post

Ten Things To Know About Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s Palm Beach Estate

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What Is Mar-a-Lago? The History of Trump's Luxurious Resort And Residence

The estate has recently been in the spotlight following an fbi search and recovery of "top secret" documents from mar-a-lago, by sophia pargas • published august 12, 2022 • updated on august 12, 2022 at 5:02 pm.

On August 8, former President Donald Trump revealed that the FBI was conducting a search of his Mar-a-Lago estate, a search the FBI said was an attempt to recover sensitive documents transferred to Florida when Trump left the White House following his presidency.

Friday, the property receipt of items recovered by FBI agents who searched Mar-a-Lago resort shows that agents recovered a trove of top secret and other heavily classified documents.

In light of the recent news surrounding the Mar-a-Lago estate, here is a look at what it is, when it was built, and why it is so synonymous with Trump's livelihood.

What is Mar-a-Lago?

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Located in Palm Beach, Florida, Mar-a-Lago is a 20-acre luxury resort club. It is known as an "ultra-exclusive" property for the elite, featuring world-class amenities such as fine dining, an oceanfront swimming pool, and state of the art recreation and fitness centers. The property is also known to host high profile events such as weddings, galas, and holiday events.

The former president also holds a private residence at Mar-a-Lago which borders the club.

When was Mar-a-Lago built?

The Mar-a-Lago estate was designed and built for Marjorie Merriweather Post and E.F. Hutton in the early 1920s. Marjorie Merriweather Post is known as a businesswoman, socialite and philanthropist who became the richest woman in the United States by just the age of 27.

Over 600 workers contributed to the construction of the estate over the span of 4 years to complete the 58 bed/33 bath house. The completed house is believed to have cost about $100 million, and it finally opened its doors in 1927.

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Mar-A-Lago was designed as an adaption of the Hispano-Moresque style, which is commonly seen among the villas of the Mediterranean. The home was constructed out of stone, but not just any stone. Historical documents say three boat loads of Dorian stone were shipped from Genoa, Italy to be used for the exterior walls of the home.

What is the history behind the estate?

Due to its vastness, beauty and notoriety, the estate became a nationally acclaimed historic landmark. In 1669, it was designated "The Mar-a-Lago National Historic Site" by The Department of the Interior. In 1972, an Act of Congress placed the property on the National Register of Historic Places.

To this, many credit the dedication and care of Post. Throughout her life, the wealthy businesswoman used the estate as a grounds for many notable dignitaries.

After she died in 1973, she left the estate to the federal government as a presidential/diplomatic retreat, where it gained its nickname of the "Winter White House." This did not last long, however, as the maintenance and security costs caused the government to turn it over to the Post Foundation.

How did Trump acquire it?

From the Post Foundation, Trump purchased the property in 1985, using it as a private residence until 1995. While the exact price is not known to the public, it is reported that he paid $10 million for the estate.

According to the Mar-a-Lago Club web page, "in almost identical form as its original conception." This, of course, comes with the exceptions of additions and renovations that have made the club the epitome of wealth, modernism and luxury it is today.

What does the Mar-a-Lago look like today?

Today, the Mar-a-Lago features guest suites and even real estate for those who wish to not only visit, but actually live at the Mar-a-Lago estate. It is a 126 room property, including an 1,800 square-foot living room and 1,500 square-foot fining room.

The property features a spa, salon, fitness center, tennis courts, 2 acres of private beach, a 100x50 foot pool, recently renovated 'Gold and White' ballroom and much more.

Mar-a-Lago is known for its breathtaking architecture, rich history, ornate decor, and lavish living rooms, dining rooms, and ballrooms.

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From Camelot to Mar-a-lago: 6 Presidential Stops in the Palm Beaches

The Palm Beaches have played host to a surprising number of presidents. Here’s a list of 6 stops where you can walk in the footsteps of our current and former leaders.

Everyone knows President Trump loves to unwind in the beautiful Palm Beaches.  A lesser known fact is that The Palm Beaches has played host to several U.S. Presidents.  The great weather, golf courses and perfect beaches have convinced no less than three commander in chiefs to relax in this tropical getaway.  It is easy to follow in presidential footsteps while you’re here.  Here’s a list to help you experience the history and beauty of the presidential Palm Beaches.  

1: Drive by Mar-a-lago, the new Winter White House. The breathtaking beauty of Mar-a-Lago as America’s Winter White House is showcased every time the president comes to Palm Beach.   Originally built by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post in the mid-1920s, the home was an instant icon of Palm Beach’s splendor.  While the property is kept secured, a drive along beautiful South Ocean Boulevard will offer a glimpse of Mar-a-Lago’s gates and a slow drive across the Southern Boulevard Bridge will reveal the majestic view of the property as seen on the news.   2:  Cruise North Ocean Boulevard, where two presidents relaxed in sand and surf. North Ocean Boulevard on Palm Beach is a drive that hosted not one but two presidents.  The Kennedy Family Compound  at 1095 North Ocean is where President Kennedy and his family came to recharge and recover.  Drive just a few houses south and find another residence often visited by Richard M. Nixon.  Prior to becoming president in 1969, Nixon visited 1055 North Ocean so often the owner built a special “Nixon wing” onto the house.    A drive along North Ocean Boulevard will show you both locations as well as a peek at some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the world.  

3:  Charter a presidential yacht for special occasions. John F. Kennedy’s legend can be found in many places in Palm Beach County.  The Honey-Fitz, the motor yacht that served Presidents Truman through Nixon, is still based in West Palm Beach.  Named “Honey-Fitz” by Kennedy to commemorate his maternal grandfather, the boat left official service during the Carter administration and went into private ownership.  The Honey-Fitz has been carefully maintained and while public tours are not available the yacht can be chartered for special occasions .   

4: Visit a garden where First Ladies meet. A short drive south will take you to Delray Beach’s Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens .  This historical and serene place was in the international spotlight when First Lady Melania Trump recently hosted a visit by Japan’s First Lady Akie Abe.  The beautiful gardens and museum is a memorial to an early 20th century settlement of Japanese farmers in Southern Palm Beach County.   The gardens are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Admission is $15.  

6: Climb into a secret part of the Cold War Editor’s note: As of late October, 2017 the emergency bunker is closed to the public pending management changes. This section will be updated when the site reopens. The threat of nuclear conflict was a very real concern during Kennedy’s years in office.  Every effort was taken to protect the First Family in case of nuclear attack.  Just a few minutes north of Palm Beach, on Peanut Island , a monument to those days still exists.  Buried under the palm trees and white sand is a self-contained fallout shelter, built in secrecy and stocked with enough provisions to support 30 people for 30 days.  While there is no record of Kennedy ever visiting the bunker, it has been noted that the presidential yacht could often be seen navigating the waters near the island.  The bunker has been returned to its original state and is open to tours nearly 60 years after its creation.  Just hop on a water taxi and experience a presidential place kept secret for many years!  

The beauty and splendor of The Palm Beaches have always been an attraction to world leaders.  There is a reason why presidents and politicians come back to the area and some call it home.  Come discover for yourself all the amazing things The Palm Beaches have to offer!

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This is why Marines were at Mar-a-Lago

The Marine color guard was at an event hosted by a veterans group.

By Jeff Schogol | Published Apr 15, 2024 2:10 PM EDT

A Marine Corps color guard that was recently photographed at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida was attending a non-political event that was meant to raise awareness about veterans suicides, a lead spokesman for the Marine Corps said in a statement.

“The event was neither a political fundraiser, nor was the 45th President of the United States in attendance,” Marine Maj. Jim Stenger said on Saturday. The Marines in the photo are reservists from the 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company , Stenger said, a West Palm Beach-based unit commonly referred to as 4th ANGLICO. 

Rebuffing a wide range of internet-based critiques, a Marine Forces Reserve official told Task & Purpose that the Marines in the Mar-a-Logo photo were in proper uniform, and were at the command of “rest” when the picture was taken before the ceremony began, rather than in a formation for presentation of colors, relieving them of requirements like secured chinstraps .

Task & Purpose has viewed the request from a veterans group for the Marine color guard, which says the event will “honor and showcase the dedication and commitment of our armed forces to our nation’s security and values.”

The picture caused an online stir when it emerged on social media as military members, veterans and commentators speculated on why Marines in uniform and performing the formal duties of a color guard would be at a Mar-a-Lago event, a frequent home for political fundraisers and organizing for Donald Trump’s political campaigns.

The U.S. military has long been fiercely apolitical. American service members are not allowed to speak at political rallies or wear their uniforms at political events to avoid giving the appearance that the Defense Department endorses a particular candidate or cause. Any event sponsored by a political campaign — like a rally or fundraising event — would fall under those rules.

But in the past several years, the U.S. military’s tradition of staying out of partisan politics has become increasingly tested as political divisions within the country have intensified.

The South Carolina Army National Guard investigated a major in 2019 after she was caught on video attending a rally in uniform for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden, during which she told Biden that she prayed he would be elected president.  

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The major’s leadership later “took actions they considered appropriate for the situation,” said a South Carolina Army National Guard spokesperson, who did not elaborate further, citing the Privacy Act’s protection of service members’ records.

A Marine who helped save a baby at Hamid Karzai International Airport in 2021 also came under scrutiny after former President Donald Trump invited him to appear onstage at a 2022 political rally. The Marine was ultimately found to have not violated any Defense Department policies that limit service members’ political activities.

When pictures of the Marine color guard attending the April 11 event at Trump’s private club appeared on social media over the weekend, former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) questioned whether the Marines had broken the law.

“It’s either illegal per UCMJ, or they aren’t marines which would be weird,” Kinzinger posted on X.

Kinzinger himself caused a kerfuffle in 2019 when he criticized Wisconsin’s governor for withdrawing National Guard troops from the U.S.-Mexico border while Kinzinger was serving as a colonel in the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

Stenger, the Marine Corps spokesman, clarified that the Marine reservists from the 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company provided a color guard and static display at a community event at the Mar-a-Lago Club hosted by a non-profit group, which had submitted an official request for military support.

“The request was reviewed by Marine Forces Reserve Community Relations and deemed eligible for support,” Stenger said. “The event was open to the public and helped raise awareness about military and veteran suicides.”

Some commenters raised questions on social media about the Marines’ appearance. A picture of the color guard shared on X appears to show that one of the Marines is taller than the others, when Marine Corps regulations require that all members of a color guard should be roughly the same height. The Marines are also not wearing their chin straps and at least two are not standing at parade rest

The Marines were selected for the color guard based on their availability along with their drill and ceremonies proficiency, said Marine Lt. Col. Craig W. Thomas, a spokesman for Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South.

“Please understand, Inspector-Instructor staffs are not large,” Thomas told Task & Purpose on Monday. “In addition to the conduct of Marine Corps daily training and readiness responsibilities, the unit’s staff also supports multiple community relations events and military funeral honors each week.”

The reason why the Marines are not wearing their chin straps is they were not executing a presentation of the colors at the time the picture was taken, so they were not in a formation in a ceremonial capacity, Thomas said.

The Marines were preparing when gala guests approached them and asked for the picture to be taken, Thomas said.

“The photo was impromptu, hence the more approachable posture,” Thomas said. “They were an ‘independent’ unit and were at the command of ‘rest.’ Additionally, several online comments were made concerning the lack of decorations on the color guard uniforms (ribbons, badges, or medals). Decorations were removed for the conduct of the color guard to prevent damage and obstruction during drill. Decorations were again donned upon completion of the detail.”

Cary Reichbach is the founder and president of Grey Team , the veterans group that requested the Marine color team.

Grey Team is a non-partisan non-profit group that focuses on preventing suicides that has no connection to Trump, his reelection campaign, or any other political cause, Cary Reichbach told Task & Purpose on Monday.

“We don’t donate to any political campaign at all,” said Reichbach, an Army veteran. “One hundred percent of our proceeds go toward veterans’ lifesaving programs. “We are a platinum-rated charity. We are 100% transparent.”

It is against Grey Team’s charter to donate money to a political campaign, he added.

The April 11 event was not a fundraiser for Trump, and Grey Team’s goal in having the Marine color guard there was to form a connection between the military and civilians, Reichbach said.

“There is less than 1% serving right now of the U.S. population, and many, many people don’t have any connection whatsoever to the military,” Reichbach said. “So, by inviting the military and having static displays, we tried to create that bridge and at the same time raise awareness with the troops who do come out with us. They sit at tables with the other community leaders and they’re able to break bread and begin an understanding of each other which leads to a lot better awareness and – what we feel – better outcomes.”

Reichbach noted that the very same Marine color guard team had attended another Grey Team event at Boca Raton one week prior to the April 11 event at the Mar-a-Lago Club. The veterans group went through the exact same application process to request the Marine provide a color guard at Mar-a-Lago.

“We have fundraisers at various venues and to us Mar-a-Lago is just a beautiful venue,” Reichbach said. “It’s not a political statement whatsoever.”

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Jeff Schogol is a senior staff writer for Task & Purpose. He has covered the military for 15 years, with previous bylines at the Express-Times in Easton, Pennsylvania, Stars & Stripes, and Military Times. You can email him at [email protected], direct message @JeffSchogol on Twitter, or reach him on WhatsApp and Signal at 703-909-6488. Contact the author here.

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I spent the day around Mar-a-Lago. See the exclusive enclave where Trump is retreating, complete with billionaire neighbors, ornate mansions, and Floridian Ferraris.

• Trump retreated to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, after he left the White House Wednesday.
• The exclusive private club  served as a gilded getaway for the First Family throughout his presidency. 
• We visited the famed property and its neighborhood, known to locals as Billionaires Row, to see what it's like on the ground.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Flight paths  have been scheduled, moving trucks have been spotted, and schools have been scouted.

The Trumps' Floridian digs have even gotten a facelift.

On Wednesday, Donald Trump vacated the White House and headed to Mar-a-Lago, a ritzy enclave that has been dubbed "the winter White House" — at least for the last four years.

See also: A list of all the powerful people moving to Florida right now

Trump's private club and resort in Palm Beach, Florida, has served as the First Family's gilded getaway throughout his presidency. But now he's moving in, arriving via motorcade just before his term ended at noon on Wednesday.

I spent one day in the area in early January and found the sunny locale to be replete with multimillion-dollar mansions adjacent to high-end shopping and gourmet restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs. Not to mention countless sports car sightings and miles of private beaches.

Trump bought the 20-acre Mar-a-Lago property for $8 million in 1985 and has since grown the Atlantic Ocean-facing compound into an opulent playground, with membership costing $200,000 (a sum that doesn't include additional annual fees and minimum spends on dining). He switched his primary residence from New York to Florida in 2019. From billing the US government over $35,000 for hosting the prime minister of Japan to hosting a maskless New Year's Eve party this year, Mar-a-Lago has made a number of headlines over his presidential term. 

Palm Beach seems like the perfect home base for a high-powered official or socialite, especially given that Wall Street hedge funds and their titans are also decamping to the area . Some neighbors aren't thrilled at the prospect; a few have even taken legal action  to try to force him to live elsewhere.

Here's a look at the property and immediate surrounding area, known to locals as Billionaires Row.

Mar-a-Lago sits on a narrow sliver of Florida's eastern coast, flanked by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Construction sites and low-cost establishments that I drove by just five minutes away from the property make the club's grandeur seem like a surprise.

Typical hallmarks of Floridian life dot Southern Boulevard, the major street leading to Trump's Mar-a-Lago. There's a 7-Eleven attached to a coin laundromat, a corner store advertising "bait and beer," and a location of Flanigan's — a beloved, casual South Florida restaurant chain known for ribs.

Once I crossed the bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, which has been under construction for years, those quaint establishments fade away and are immediately replaced by multimillion-dollar mansions.

Once over the bridge, I sidled alongside Mar-a-Lago's southern edge. The resort was largely hidden by hedges. A security tower peeking out from the property made me wonder how elaborate security at the front gate would look.

The security tower, branded with "Palm Beach County Sheriff," seemed to be positioned near the club's tennis courts.

Even with the hedges, Mar-a-Lago's main building is completely visible from the street. It was the first glimpse I got of the resort's opulence.

Trump acquired the property in 1985 for $8 million . The facade visible from the street, though, is just a sliver of its expansive 20 acres.

Typically, only members can go beyond the main gate. But the day I went, there seemed to be minimal security.

Previous photos of the club's entrance show guards posted outside the gate. But on the Saturday in early January that I visited the area, there didn't seem to be any security aside from a car valet just inside the gate. 

There was a car valet under a portico just beyond the main gate. I spied a red Ferrari parked out front.

Since Ferraris can run upwards of $200,000, the car was certainly not out of place at Mar-a-Lago, where membership costs just as much . There are roughly 500 members at the club, who are expected to pay $200,000 in membership fees, which is then supplemented by a yearly fee of $14,000 and a $2,000 dining minimum.

Mar-a-Lago's grounds are sprawling. Members have access to the club's pools, beaches, dining halls, private rooms, tennis courts, croquet lawns, and more.

The entire property, which was built by Post cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1927, sits on 20 acres and boasts 128 rooms. The property spans the entire width of the barrier island, with beach club access to the Atlantic Ocean to the east and access to the Intracoastal Waterway to the west.

The inside of the club is known to be ornate. It features decor and design reminiscent of European palaces, including high ceilings and plenty of gold plating.

The lavish property has served as a backdrop for many society galas and, in the last four years, formal affairs with heads of state.

The gilded decor of its function rooms and communal areas is in line with Trump's ostentatious taste.

His own 2,000-square-foot private residence on the property was reportedly being "expanded and spruced up," for his return according to a report from People.

Neighbors have come out against Trump's move to the area — some have even tried to block his move by signing a letter claiming that Trump cannot live on the property because of an agreement he signed to that effect roughly 30 years ago, when he established the private members-only club. 

Trump's Mar-a-Lago club looks perfectly at home on South Ocean Boulevard, a stretch of Florida's famous State Road A1A, which features a number of luxurious multimillion-dollar mansions.

A1A, a highway that hugs the East Coast of the US from Key West in the south to Jacksonville near the Georgia border, has come to represent taking the scenic route. The iconic road offers blue skies, palm trees, and views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The houses neighboring Mar-a-Lago are historic and stately — and inhabited, more often than not, by the rich and powerful. The area is known as "Billionaires Row" to locals.

The ZIP code — 33480 — is one of the wealthiest in the country. Bloomberg reported that the average adjusted gross income of the area was $1.37 million, making it the third richest ZIP code in the country behind tony Silicon Valley suburb of Atherton, California, and notoriously ritzy Fisher Island , a private island in Miami.

The home pictured above, known as the "ham and cheese house" because of its alternating bands of red brick and coral, sold for nearly $16 million in 2013. The historic property, built in 1928, was purchased by a Connecticut couple who had previously bought and restored a different landmarked oceanfront property.

Some homes are set farther back on their lots, hidden behind both hedges and fences. This mansion belongs to billionaire Bill Koch.

Bill Koch, a lesser known Koch brother , is an energy billionaire with a net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. He sold his stake in the family businesses to his brothers Charles and David for hundreds of millions of dollars in 1983.

Koch's property spans the width of the island — similar to Mar-a-Lago — which means it also has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. It is a quarter of a mile north of Mar-a-Lago.

Billionaires Row homes aren't complete without private beaches, with signage to deter uninvited guests.

All of the homes along Billionaires Row have their own stretches of private beach. The properties' private beaches are separated from their main mansions by the A1A highway — but some of the most posh spreads have a tunnel that runs underneath the road to provide no-hassle access to the Atlantic Ocean. Many of the houses also have smaller homes built directly on the beach.

Signaling how precious unobstructed ocean views are to Billionaires Row residents, Koch contested the design plans of a beach house that he thought was too close to his property in 2019.

According to Palm Beach Daily News, Koch's neighbors — the son and daughter-in-law of Jane Holzer, a well-known art collector who starred in films made by Andy Warhol in the 1960s —set out to build a home on the stretch of beach just south of his. The couple planned to construct a home on a half-acre parcel they bought for $7 million in 2018.

Koch's lawyer told the Palm Beach Architectural Commission — the entity that approves construction in the area — that the new build would disrupt Koch's privacy as well as the "visual harmony" of the neighborhood. "From our standpoint, it is obviously too big, it's too long, too tall," he said.  The commission ultimately decided the project would need to be scaled down.

While many of the mansions in the area are historic, the Palm Beach Architectural Commission has approved new builds in recent years.

The property pictured above was purchased by commodities trader Nedim Soylemez for $7.6 million in June 2018. The Palm Beach Architectural Commission approved the intended neoclassical design for the 14,683-square-foot home the following month. The house is still under construction.

The owner of another new build under construction along Billionaires Row near Mar-a-Lago started with an empty lot that they purchased in 2018 for $12 million.

The lot is nearly an acre and was sold to a company controlled by a luxury home builder based in Naples, Florida, according to Palm Beach Daily News . It has roughly 130 feet of private oceanfront and will be a 13,800-square-foot Mediterranean-inspired home upon completion.

While impressive, these new arrivals seem humble in comparison to some of the area's largest spreads. For example, billionaire hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin has accumulated nearly $250 million in real estate along Billionaires Row over the last several years. Forbes estimates that the current net worth of the Citadel chief is $15 billion.

After checking out the houses on Billionaires Row along South Ocean Boulevard, I kept driving north to Palm Beach's public stretch of sand.

The day we visited was a chilly 63 degrees Fahrenheit. While that may sound balmy to most, that's a touch too cold for a beach day in South Florida. Even still, there were some young families and older couples enjoying the white sand and crisp air off the Atlantic. There was far more foot traffic a couple blocks inland toward downtown.

Even amid the coronavirus pandemic, downtown Palm Beach's restaurants were bustling. The cluster is about three miles north of Mar-a-Lago, or a 7-minute drive.

A famed New York City French bistro, La Goulue , opened a location in downtown Palm Beach in October . New Yorkers, who seem to be following Trump's lead and fleeing to Palm Beach in droves amid the pandemic, can find the restaurant's beloved cheese soufflé at the new spot, too.

The downtown area is both pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, with a number of people cycling around leisurely.

Two blocks over, there's even more fine dining.

Legendary Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud has a French restaurant inside Palm Beach's Brazilian Court Hotel. It's has been a local favorite since opening in 2003.

Beyond coveted dinner reservations, the area also has high-end shopping aimed at its deep-pocked residents.

In the southern swath of downtown Palm Beach, closer to a number of Billionaires Row homes, is Palm Beach's Worth Avenue. The thoroughfare is lined with outposts of luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, and more.

After spending the day in the Palm Beach area surrounding Mar-a-Lago, checking out flashy cars and massive estates, I thought that the posh neighborhood seemed like the perfect playground for socialites and multimillionaires.

Those who have moved to the area amid the pandemic cite the climate — it's sunny 237 days of the year — and financial perks like no state income tax as main drivers in their decisions.

Those wanting to follow suit should have no trouble finding a realtor. It felt like there was a major brokerage on every block of downtown Palm Beach.

South Florida recently welcomed relocating billionaires like Charles Schwab and Carl Icahn with open arms.

Trump can only hope for as warm a reception. 

• Main content

Watch CBS News

Trump allies encourage Mar-a-Lago visits with foreign leaders months before election

By Fin Gómez , Zak Hudak

Updated on: April 16, 2024 / 4:16 PM EDT / CBS News

Former President Donald Trump's allies have been encouraging foreign countries to send diplomats and official emissaries to Mar-a-Lago to reconnect ahead of another potential Trump stint in the White House, sources with direct knowledge of the meetings confirmed to CBS News. 

Trump advisers and allies believe he'll be able to capitalize on the decline in Americans' approval of President Joe Biden's foreign policy decisions. An April CBS News  poll  found that only 33% of Americans approve of Mr. Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, down from 44% in October. 

It is rare for foreign ambassadors and ministers to meet with the presumptive GOP presidential nominee half a year before the presidential election and suggests that they're laying the groundwork for another Trump administration. 

"The biggest handle Biden had on Trump was that this guy is unpredictable, especially on the world stage," said Terry Sullivan, who ran Sen. Marco Rubio's 2016 presidential campaign. "When you take your opponent's strength and your personal weakness and turn them on their head, that's a big move."

The 2012 Republican presidential nominee, Sen. Mitt Romney, implemented a similar strategy of meeting foreign leaders shortly before he won the GOP presidential nomination in 2012. On a trip to London for a fundraiser that year, Romney met with several British leaders. At the time, CBS News chief political analyst John Dickerson told "CBS This Morning" that Romney's campaign had calibrated his talking points about the meetings to project a presidential aura.

"It's something every campaign does to some degree if they can get away with it and show they have gravitas and can handle major foreign policy situations," said Sullivan, who also worked on Romney's earlier presidential bid in 2008 and is now a CBS News contributor. 

Foreign leaders have made stops at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Florida club, too. The former president recently hosted British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, whose spokesperson said it was "standard practice for ministers to meet with opposition candidates as part of their routine international engagement." The two spoke about the war in Ukraine, NATO spending and upcoming elections, according to the Trump campaign. 

But unlike recent presidential nominees, Trump has also hosted controversial foreign leaders. The willingness by some Trump advisers to contact these foreign governments reflects the approach another Trump administration could take on foreign policy. 

Last month, the former president hosted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the closest European Union ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, at Mar-a-Lago. The two also discussed the war in Ukraine, Orban later told state media. 

Mr. Biden reacted swiftly, criticizing the rendezvous on the day it took place.

"You know who he's meeting with today down at Mar-a-Lago? Orbán of Hungary, who stated flatly he doesn't think democracy works. He's looking for dictatorship," Mr. Biden said at a rally near Philadelphia. "That's who he's meeting with."

Trump also spoke recently with Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Salman, The New York Times reported , who was found by U.S. intelligence to have signed off on killing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi," a longtime U.S. resident and Washington Post journalist. 

The former president has also spoken with government officials from other Western countries, including Finland last year, a source familiar with the conversations told CBS News.

The outreach by Trump's allies to foreign dignitaries was first reported by Politico.

In a CBS News national poll in March, Trump was leading Mr. Biden, as voters remembered the economy under Trump as being better than it is under the president. The Biden campaign and Democratic National Committee are trying to close the gap by exploiting their considerable financial advantage over the Trump campaign and Republican Party, placing multimillion-dollar ad buys in key battleground states.

• Donald Trump
• Viktor Orban

Fin Gómez is the Political Director for CBS News. Fin oversees the day-to-day political coverage for CBS News. He has covered five presidential political cycles and multiple presidential campaigns. He was formerly a member of the CBS White House unit.

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Ana Navarro Tells ‘The View’ Trump Must Keep Republican “Spines And Other Body Parts In Big Jars Of Formaldehyde” At Mar-a-Lago

Where to stream:, ‘franklin’s michael douglas tells ‘the view’ why elon musk is like benjamin franklin: “he liked the ladies”, ‘the view’s sunny hostin suggests trump supporters can “sneak” onto jury in his trial by lying and saying they “hate trump”, ‘the view’s joy behar reveals horrified reaction to finding a photo of herself posing with trump family: “i have to go into rehab” , george lopez stuns ‘the view’ after revealing ana navarro once got “so drunk” she left her dog behind.

Leave it to Ana Navarro to deliver the most colorful descriptor on The View this morning. The outspoken co-host — who never holds back at the Hot Topics table — reacted with disgust to New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu’s endorsement of Donald Trump for president.

The View , which previously hosted Sununu as a guest in May 2023, was widely disappointed by his support for Trump, especially since he previously told the panel that he didn’t think the one-term POTUS would be the 2024 Republican nominee.

Sununu appeared on ABC’s This Week yesterday (April 14), where he admitted that he believes Trump “contributed” to the Jan. 6 insurrection, but is supporting Trump for the sake of his party, per The Hill .

During this morning’s View discussion about Sununu’s endorsement, Navarro said she was saddened by his “about-face.”

“He’s trying to preserve his political options in the future,” she said.

She then explained, “It saddens me so much because there is this entire generation of young Republicans who I think people thought — I did — had great potential. Folks like Marco Rubio, folks like Tim Scott.

“And it’s like, Donald Trump must have a huge pantry in Mar-a-Lago where he holds all their spines and other body parts in big jars of formaldehyde, because he’s turned all these people into these sniveling cowards, two-faced charlatan clowns,” she exclaimed. “I mean, I’m embarrassed for them.”

After her comment received a hearty round of applause from the studio audience, Sunny Hostin chimed in.

“Maybe that’s who they always were,” she said, adding, “I think people gave Sununu too much credit.”

Looking back on his appearance on the show last year, Hostin recalled that she’d asked the governor about voting for Trump in both 2016 and 2020, despite being “the antithesis” of everything Sununu stands for.

“You know what he said? ‘Well, he’s not going to be the nominee,'” Hostin told her co-hosts. “So I’m not surprised that he did this. He is every bit of a politician, and he should be ashamed of himself.”

The View airs weekdays at 11/10c on ABC.

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Biden Digs at Trump During His Pennsylvania Hometown Visit

In a speech about his tax plan, president biden compared scranton, pa., to trump’s mar-a-lago to highlight the different economic and social values between america’s middle class and its wealthy..

We’re not asking anything as unusual. Under my plan, nobody earning less than $400,000 will pay an additional penny. I hope you’re all able to make $400,000. I never did. You know, I have to say, if Trump’s stock in Truth Social — his company — drops any lower, he might do better under my tax plan than his. [laughter] No billionaire should pay a lower tax rate than a teacher, a nurse, a sanitation worker. Folks, where we come from matters. When I look at the economy, I don’t see it through the eyes of Mar-a-Lago. I see it through the eyes of Scranton. And that’s not hyperbole, that’s a fact. Donald Trump looks at the world differently than you and me. He wakes up in the morning in Mar-a-Lago thinking about himself. How he can help his billionaire friends gain power and control, and force their extreme agenda on the rest of us.

By Nicholas Nehamas

Reporting from Scranton, Pa.

• April 16, 2024 Updated 6:21 p.m. ET

President Biden delivered a flurry of attacks on former President Donald J. Trump during a Tuesday speech in Pennsylvania about taxes and economic policy, painting his Republican rival as a puppet of plutocrats who had ignored the working class.

Visiting his hometown, Scranton, in a top battleground state that he has visited more often than any other, Mr. Biden laid out his vision for a fairer tax code, including raising rates on the wealthy and corporations and using the money to expand the economy and help working families.

But in a speech that signaled the Biden campaign’s intention to make the 2024 election a referendum on his polarizing Republican opponent, the president returned again and again to Mr. Trump. His jabs at his predecessor took aim at the former president’s wealthy upbringing, his friendships with billionaires and his 2017 tax cuts that disproportionately benefited America’s upper crust .

“Donald Trump looks at the world differently than you and me,” Mr. Biden told a crowd of more than a hundred supporters at a cultural center in Scranton. “He wakes up in the morning at Mar-a-Lago thinking about himself. How he can help his billionaire friends gain power and control, and force their extreme agenda on the rest of us.”

Aiming for a clear contrast, Mr. Biden laid out his proposals: Expanding the child tax credit. Providing a $10,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers. Raising the minimum tax rate for billionaires and corporations.

“We know the best way to build an economy is from the middle out and the bottom up, not the top down,” Mr. Biden said. “Because when you do that, the poor have a ladder up and the middle class does well and the wealthy still do very well. We all do well.”

Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump campaign, disputed that Mr. Biden’s plan would benefit Americans.

“President Trump proudly passed the largest tax CUTS in history,” she said in a statement. “Joe Biden is proposing the largest tax HIKE ever.”

Throughout his speech, Mr. Biden wove in criticism of Mr. Trump — including a needling joke about the falling shares in the former president’s social media company.

“If Trump’s stock in Truth Social — his company — drops any lower, he might do better under my tax plan than his,” Mr. Biden said.

The president’s speech kicked off a three-day swing through Pennsylvania, with appearances scheduled in Pittsburgh on Wednesday and Philadelphia on Thursday. The trip came as Mr. Trump appeared in court in Manhattan for the second straight day as his first criminal trial begins — a striking split screen welcomed by the Biden campaign.

Since Mr. Biden delivered his State of the Union address last month, his campaign has shifted into general election mode, after a far quieter start to the year. In recent weeks, he has visited every major battleground state. His campaign has opened more than 100 field offices around the nation in coordination with state Democratic parties, spent $30 million in an advertising blitz and built a significant fund-raising advantage over Mr. Trump. An Arizona court decision that upheld a near-total abortion ban dating to 1864 has also energized Democrats .

As those efforts have taken place, Mr. Biden’s depressed poll numbers have improved, with a survey this month by The New York Times and Siena College finding that he had nearly erased Mr. Trump’s lead nationwide. The president had trailed Mr. Trump by five percentage points in the previous survey. Much of Mr. Biden’s recovery came from his improved standing among traditional Democratic voters, a signal that his campaign’s messaging efforts may be having an effect.

Still, Mr. Biden faces an uphill battle in convincing Americans that he is a better steward of the nation’s economy than Mr. Trump. In the latest Times/Siena poll, 64 percent of voters said they approved of how Mr. Trump had handled the economy while in office. Only 34 percent said the same of Mr. Biden, the poll found.

The tax cuts that Mr. Trump signed into law in 2017 have proved unpopular with voters. And while they increased investment in the U.S. economy and delivered a modest pay bump for workers, they fell short of Republican promises and are adding greatly to the national debt, one academic study found. Many parts of those tax cuts are set to expire next year.

Mr. Biden pledged in his speech that under his plan, nobody earning less than $400,000 would see their taxes go up.

“I hope you’re able to make $400,000,” he told the crowd. “I never did.”

As Mr. Biden spoke, Mr. Trump was seated in a Manhattan courtroom roughly two hours away, watching the selection of the first jurors in his trial. Mr. Biden has generally refrained from mentioning the charges Mr. Trump faces in four criminal cases, but his campaign did troll the former president on social media for appearing to fall asleep during proceedings on Monday.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, did not answer when asked if Mr. Biden was watching the Trump trial or being briefed on it.

“His focus is on the American people,” she said during a briefing with reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Scranton.

But even in his hometown, Mr. Biden could not avoid the anger that many Democrats feel over his support for Israel during its war in Gaza. As Mr. Biden walked up the steps of his childhood home, a crowd of protesters down the block waved Palestinian flags and chanted “Genocide Joe has got to go” through a loudspeaker.

Mr. Biden is set to speak on Wednesday at the headquarters of the United Steelworkers union in Pittsburgh before visiting Philadelphia on Thursday. He narrowly defeated Mr. Trump in Pennsylvania in 2020, and winning the state is crucial to his re-election strategy.

Democratic allies of Mr. Biden said they thought his message on economic fairness would resonate in Pennsylvania.

“Scranton versus Fifth Avenue was one of the most successful frames from the 2020 campaign,” said Representative Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, referring to the location of Trump Tower in Manhattan. “You’re going to see more of it in this campaign.”

Nicholas Nehamas is a Times political reporter covering the re-election campaign of President Biden. More about Nicholas Nehamas

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race

The start of Donald Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan  drew intense security, smothering media coverage and loud demonstrations to a dingy courthouse that will be the unlikely center of American politics for the next six weeks.

President Biden will kick off a three-day tour of Pennsylvania , a crucial battleground state, with a speech that focuses on taxes and aims to contrast his policies with those of Trump.

Trump leaned heavily on major Republican donors  in March as he sought to close the financial gap separating him from Biden, new federal filings showed.

Vice-Presidential Calculations: As Trump sifts through potential running mates, he has peppered some advisers and associates with a direct question: Which Republican could best help him raise money ?

Embracing the Jan. 6 Rioters:  Trump initially disavowed the attack on the Capitol, but he is now making it a centerpiece of his campaign .

Mobilizing the Left: Amid the war in Gaza, the pro-Palestinian movement has grown into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States. Democrats are feeling the pressure .

On a Collision Course:  As president, Trump never trusted the intelligence community. His antipathy has only grown since he left office, with potentially serious implications should he return to power .

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Trump goes after the judge and prosecutors in his hush money case in last rally before trial begins

Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event in Schnecksville, Pa., Saturday, April 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Joe Lamberti)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump walks to the podium during a campaign event in Schnecksville, Pa., on Saturday, April 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Joe Lamberti)

Attendees gather as former U.S. President Donald Trump holds a campaign event in Schnecksville, Pa., on Saturday, April 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Joe Lamberti)

FILE - Republican presidential candidate, former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally, July 29, 2023, in Erie, Pa. Trump plans to hold a rally Saturday, April 13, 2024, in northeast Pennsylvania, his last before his criminal hush money trial begins on Monday. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump greets attendees during a campaign event in Schnecksville, Pa., on Saturday, April 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Joe Lamberti)

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a news conference with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., Friday, April 12, 2024, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

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SCHNECKSVILLE, Pa. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump on Saturday lit into New York prosecutors and the criminal hush money case they brought against him during his last rally before what he called a “communist show trial” begins Monday.

“I will be forced to sit fully gagged. I’m not allowed to talk. They want to take away my constitutional right to talk,” said Trump, who has been barred from publicly discussing potential witnesses and jurors but not the judge or prosecutors.

“I’m proud to do it for you,” Trump told a crowd in northeast Pennsylvania. “Have a good time watching.”

Trump spoke as Israel was fighting off a retaliatory drone attack from Iran that threatened to tip into a regional war in the Middle East. After a short mention of the attack, which he claimed wouldn’t have happened if he were president, Trump turned to an extended tirade against his own legal troubles.

What to know about Trump’s hush money trial:

• Follow our live updates.
• Trump will be first ex-president on criminal trial. Here’s what to know about the hush money case.
• A jury of his peers: A look at how jury selection will work in Donald Trump’s first criminal trial .
• Donald Trump is facing four criminal indictments, and a civil lawsuit. You can track all of the cases here.

He went after Judge Juan M. Merchan, whom he called “corrupt,” and District Attorney Alvin Bragg, declaring himself a victim of Democrats bent on blocking his return to the White House.

Trump is navigating four separate criminal prosecutions while running to avenge his loss to President Joe Biden, creating an unprecedented swirl of legal and political chaos.

Jury selection starts Monday in New York in his trial where he is charged with seeking during his 2016 campaign to bury stories about extramarital affairs by arranging hush money payments.

It will be the first criminal trial ever of a former U.S. president. And it will limit Trump’s availability on the campaign trail, though he is expected to speak to the media after court often and has for months fundraised and campaigned on the felony charges he faces.

Trump spoke at the Schnecksville Fire Hall in Lehigh County, where a long line formed outward three hours before Trump’s planned appearance. It was Trump’s third visit this year to the vital swing state , one that could decide who wins this year’s presidential race. He also plans to attend a fundraiser in nearby Bucks County before the event.

Pennsylvania is a critical battleground in the rematch between Trump and Biden, with both candidates expected to visit the state frequently through November. Trump flipped the state to the Republican column in 2016 but lost it four years after to Biden, who was born in the northeast city of Scranton and has long talked about his roots in the city. Biden plans to deliver a major address Tuesday in Scranton on tax fairness.

Bob Dippel, 69, retired after working as a chief financial officer for several small businesses. He said he didn’t think the upcoming trial “would matter too much” to independent voters because “people are starting to see the mockery being made” of the legal system.

Biden has argued Trump’s lies about losing the 2020 election are dangerous for the country. He has said Trump poses a fundamental threat to democracy and U.S. alliances abroad — rhetoric that Trump has argued applies to Biden.

“We’re going to win in the biggest landslide in history, because we’re the ones who are fighting to save our democracy and Joe Biden is a demented tyrant,” Trump said.

Iran’s attack on Israel, in apparent retaliation for a strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed 12 people, may once again push foreign policy and the Middle East into the center of the presidential campaign.

It marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, where officials have vowed to strike Iran directly in response to any attack from Iranian soil.

Prior to Saturday, Trump has recently said Israel needs to “ finish up ” its offensive in Gaza, warning the country is “absolutely losing the PR war ” as deaths mount and images of mass destruction proliferate. Israeli forces are going after Hamas after militants staged an Oct. 7 attack in which they killed an estimated 1,200 people and took 250 hostages.

“Get it over with, and let’s get back to peace and stop killing people. And that’s a very simple statement,” Trump said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt earlier this month. “They have to get it done. Get it over with, and get it over with fast because we have to — you have to get back to normalcy and peace.”

Trump recently said that any Democratic-leaning voters who support Israel should back him instead, as Biden has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions in his war against Hamas. The Republican said Wednesday that “any Jewish person who votes for a Democrat or votes for Biden should have their head examined.”

During his presidency, he moved the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and facilitated the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab states through a series of agreements known as the Abraham Accords. He pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal negotiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama, a move that Israel welcomed.

The deal lifted sanctions on Iran, which agreed in exchange to limit its nuclear program and allow inspections. Trump said it was too generous to Iran, while supporters of a deal said it was the best option to forestall a nuclear-armed Iran.

Cooper reported from Phoenix.