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Ticket prices go up for Trump's 'very glam' New Year's eve bash

December 31, 2017

US President Donald Trump is set to ring in the new year the same way he has for about two decades - at the lavish party he hosts at his private club in Mar-a-Lago


But this weekend's gala at Mar-a-Lago, his first since becoming president, will be a little different: The security will be tighter. The crowds will probably be bigger. And the tickets will run $750 a guest, a hike from last year, according to members and guests.

Trump supporters said the extra hassle and cost will be worth it.

"It's a very glam night. I think everyone is even more excited this year than last year, because then he was president-elect, he hadn't been sworn in," said Toni Holt Kramer, a member of the club and co-founder of the "Trumpettes USA" group. "Now he's president, and he's accomplished so much already."

Membership applications at Mar-a-Lago surged after Trump was elected, leading the club to double its initiation fee to $200,000 this year. As president, Trump no longer runs his real estate and hotel business, but he continues to own Mar-a-Lago and his other properties.

Critics said the boost in prices for Sunday's party and Trump's regular trips to Trump Organisation properties - this is the president's tenth visit to Mar-a-Lago this year - show how he is using his position to promote his brand.
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