By Katherine Tinsley
8:19am PST, Feb 19, 2025
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump bragged about earning $500 million from executives looking to have 15-minute meetings with the president.
The C-Suite members were presumably attempting to get into Trump's good graces.
The hefty cost was reportedly used to create "a rainy-day fund."
The executives enjoyed hanging at Mar-a-Lago, where they spent time in the "gold-covered, chandeliered dining room just off the lobby" the outlet reported.
After his victorious 2024 win, various businesspeople traveled to Mar-a-Lago to celebrate.
"Everybody who is anybody went down," Kathryn Wylde, who leads CEO alliance Partnership for New York City, told WSJ. "It was a proactive effort to not be a target."
Many of Trump's supporters were inspired by his success in real estate and hoped the president would bring his skills to the presidency.
"The golden age of America begins right now," Trump said in his inauguration speech. "During every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first. … And our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous and free."
Trump often chants "Make America Great Again" during his speeches, which has become his tagline during both campaigns.
"The United States will once again consider itself a growing nation," the president said.
The reality star has been busy in his first month in office — so much so, he's caused controversy for his use of tariffs, but he believes he can help the economy.
"One that increases our wealth expands our territory, builds our cities, raises our expectations, and carries our flag into new and beautiful horizons," he stated. "And we will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars."
