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

December 31, 2017 10:55

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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