The story goes like this:
Trump's eldest son, Don Trump Jr., recently opened a 'super-rich secret base' in Washington, specifically serving those big business owners and tech giants who want to curry favor with the Trump administration. Membership requires a $500,000 initiation fee, with annual renewal fees, and not just anyone with money can join; a recommendation is needed.
In the club, you can meet high officials like Secretary of State Rubio and Attorney General Bondi, and have private conversations with Republican bigwigs, away from the media and public eye. Once the news broke, spots were immediately snatched up, and many had to wait in line for a chance to join.
Why is this said to potentially be collusion between officials and businesses?
Behind the exorbitant ticket prices: The $500,000 purchased is not just ordinary socializing, but a chance for 'one-on-one communication' with key power figures. For example, if you are the owner of an energy company, having a drink with the Energy Secretary at the club might allow you to know the policy direction in advance; if you are an executive from a tech company, chatting with the Deputy Director of the FBI might help you avoid certain regulatory troubles. This 'information gap' and 'networking' can bring enormous benefits in the business world.
Legal gray area: U.S. law prohibits officials from directly accepting bribes but allows for 'normal socializing'. This club happens to fall right in between - the money paid does not count as a bribe, but as a membership fee; the conversations do not count as transactions, but as 'policy discussions'. However, anyone with clear sight knows that companies spending so much money are definitely not doing it just to hear officials tell jokes.
The Trump family's 'tradition': When Trump was president, his Mar-a-Lago estate became the 'Southern White House', where many policy discussions were conducted in secret. Now, Don Trump Jr. is following the same pattern, continuing the family's use of private clubs for political dealings.
Is anyone overseeing this?
Legal aspect: The United States (Government Ethics Act) stipulates that officials cannot accept 'excessively valuable gifts', but does a membership fee count as a 'gift'? The Department of Justice has not made a clear statement yet. Furthermore, Trump suspended the (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) in 2025, reducing the crackdown on corporate bribery, which may allow clubs like this to operate more freely.
Public opinion aspect: Many criticize this as 'legal corruption', but the Republican-controlled Congress is unlikely to investigate. The Democrats oppose it, but lack substantial evidence.
Realistic impact: Such clubs may make it easier for large enterprises to influence policies, such as promoting favorable tax incentives and relaxing environmental regulations, while the interests of ordinary citizens may be overlooked.
Summary: This club superficially appears to be a high-end social venue, but in reality, it is a 'gray channel' for collusion between politics and business. Although there is currently no conclusive evidence proving illegal activity, its existence itself challenges the principles of fairness and transparency. If the U.S. government does not strengthen oversight, such games of 'money for connections' may become increasingly common.
