History of Mar-a-Lago in Timeline

Mar-a-Lago, a sprawling resort and National Historic Landmark located in Palm Beach, Florida, encompasses 126 rooms and 62,500 sq ft across 17 acres. It's been owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump since 1985, and as of November 2023, he resides there. Originally constructed between 1924 and 1927 by cereal-company heiress and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post, Mar-a-Lago was intended to become a Winter White House. Post bequeathed the property to the U.S. government upon her death in 1973, hoping it would be used for state visits and summits; however, due to high maintenance costs, it was returned to the Post Foundation in 1981 by an act of Congress during the Jimmy Carter administration. Trump later purchased the property, transforming it into a private club.

1924: Construction Begins on Mar-a-Lago

Construction of Mar-a-Lago began in 1924, commissioned by Marjorie Merriweather Post.

1927: Mar-a-Lago's Completion

Mar-a-Lago, built by Marjorie Merriweather Post and Edward F. Hutton, was completed in 1927.

1935: Post and Hutton Divorce; Mar-a-Lago Closed

Following Marjorie Merriweather Post's divorce from Edward F. Hutton in 1935, Mar-a-Lago was closed for five seasons.

1941: Post's Limited Use of Mar-a-Lago

Marjorie Merriweather Post seldom visited Mar-a-Lago in the early 1940s and did not reside there from 1941 to 1948.

April 1944: Mar-a-Lago as a Training Center

In April 1944, Mar-a-Lago was repurposed into a training facility for returning servicemen.

1948: Social Events Resume at Mar-a-Lago

In 1948, Marjorie Merriweather Post returned to Mar-a-Lago and recommenced hosting social gatherings.

1948: Post Returns to Mar-a-Lago

Marjorie Merriweather Post returned to Mar-a-Lago in 1948.

1957: International Red Cross Gala at Mar-a-Lago

Since 1957, Mar-a-Lago has traditionally hosted the International Red Cross gala.

1961: Dance Floor Pavilion Added to Mar-a-Lago

A pavilion with a dance floor was added to Mar-a-Lago in 1961 for square dancing events.

1969: Mar-a-Lago Designated a National Historic Site

Mar-a-Lago received recognition as a national historic site in 1969.

1973: Post Wills Mar-a-Lago to the Government

In 1973, Marjorie Merriweather Post bequeathed Mar-a-Lago to the United States government with the intent of it serving as a Winter White House.

1973: Marjorie Merriweather Post Bequeaths Mar-a-Lago

Upon her death in 1973, Marjorie Merriweather Post left Mar-a-Lago to the National Park Service.

1980: Mar-a-Lago Declared a National Historic Landmark

In 1980, Mar-a-Lago was formally designated as a National Historic Landmark.

1981: Mar-a-Lago Returned to Post Foundation

Due to high maintenance costs and security concerns, Mar-a-Lago was returned to the Post Foundation by Congress in 1981.

1985: Trump Purchases Mar-a-Lago

Donald Trump purchased the Mar-a-Lago estate in 1985.

1985: Donald Trump Acquires Mar-a-Lago

In 1985, Donald Trump acquired Mar-a-Lago.

1985: Mar-a-Lago Acquired by Donald Trump

In 1985, Donald Trump purchased the Mar-a-Lago estate.

1993: Mar-a-Lago Becomes a Private Club

In 1993, Trump signed an agreement with Palm Beach converting Mar-a-Lago into a private club with restrictions on guest stays.

1994: Mar-a-Lago Club Established

Donald Trump converted Mar-a-Lago into a private club in 1994.

1994: Mar-a-Lago Becomes a Private Club

Facing financial challenges, Donald Trump converted Mar-a-Lago into a private club in 1994 after a plan to subdivide the estate was rejected.

1995: Trump Limits Mar-a-Lago Usage

In 1995, Donald Trump legally restricted the use of Mar-a-Lago to solely that of a social club.

1995: First Lawsuit Against the County

Trump filed his first lawsuit regarding airport noise in 1995.

November 1996: Request to Lift Restrictions Denied

In November 1996, Trump's request to lift restrictions on Mar-a-Lago, including limits on media, membership, and land sales, was denied by the Palm Beach council.

1996: Settlement Reached

The 1995 lawsuit was settled in 1996, resulting in changes to flight patterns and Trump leasing land to build a golf course.

December 1997: Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination

In December 1997, Trump filed a lawsuit alleging that the town of Palm Beach discriminated against him and Mar-a-Lago due to the club's acceptance of Jewish and African-American members.

2002: Conservation Easement on Mar-a-Lago

A conservation easement was placed on Mar-a-Lago in 2002, preventing further development.

2005: Hurricane Damage and Insurance Payment

In 2005, Mar-a-Lago sustained hurricane damage, for which Trump received a $17 million insurance payment. The damage included landscaping, roofing, walls, painting, leaks, artwork, tiles, and beach erosion. However, a former employee claimed the damage was not serious.

October 3, 2006: American Flag Dispute

On October 3, 2006, Trump raised a large American flag at Mar-a-Lago, violating town zoning codes. This resulted in fines and a lawsuit, which Trump eventually dropped after agreeing to a shorter flagpole, a donation to veterans' charities, and changes to town ordinances.

2007: Jeffrey Epstein Expelled from Mar-a-Lago

According to membership records revealed in the 2020 book "The Grifter's Club", Jeffrey Epstein's membership at Mar-a-Lago was terminated in 2007 after he allegedly harassed a member's daughter.

July 2010: Lawsuit Over Airport Runway

Trump filed a lawsuit in July 2010 to prevent the construction of a second commercial runway at the nearby airport, but the suit was dismissed.

2011: Start of Inflated Valuation Period

From 2011, the Trump Organization's financial statements allegedly inflated the value of Mar-a-Lago significantly compared to its assessed value.

April 18, 2012: Mar-a-Lago Ranked by AIA Florida

On April 18, 2012, Mar-a-Lago was ranked fifth on the "Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places" list by the American Institute of Architects' Florida chapter.

2012: Mar-a-Lago Membership Fee Reduced

In 2012, the initiation fee for the Mar-a-Lago Club was lowered to $100,000, reportedly due to lower demand after the Bernie Madoff scandal.

2013: Mar-a-Lago Faces Health Code Violations

Since 2013, Mar-a-Lago has faced 51 health code violations.

January 2015: Lawsuit for Noise Damages

In January 2015, Trump filed a $100 million lawsuit against the county for noise and pollution from the airport affecting Mar-a-Lago.

June 2015: Mar-a-Lago Club Revenue Reported

Financial disclosure forms reveal that between June 2015 and May 2016, the Mar-a-Lago Club generated $29.7 million in gross revenue.

November 2015: Court Ruling and Dropped Lawsuit

In November 2015, a judge ruled against most of Trump's arguments in the noise lawsuit. Trump later dropped the lawsuit after becoming president.

May 2016: Mar-a-Lago Club Revenue Reported

Financial disclosure forms show that between June 2015 and May 2016, the Mar-a-Lago Club's gross revenue reached $29.7 million.

January 2017: Mar-a-Lago Club Nears Capacity

By January 2017, the Mar-a-Lago Club was close to its 500-member capacity, admitting 20-40 new members annually. Members included prominent figures from various fields.

January 2017: Mar-a-Lago Cited for Health Code Violations

Florida inspectors cited Mar-a-Lago for 15 health code violations in January 2017, including issues with food safety and sanitation. The violations were reportedly corrected on-site.

January 2017: Helicopter Landing Exemption

In January 2017, Mar-a-Lago received an exemption from a ban on helicopter landings on residential properties while Trump was president.

January 2017: Mar-a-Lago Membership Fee Increased

The Mar-a-Lago Club's initiation fee was increased back to $200,000 in January 2017 after Trump's election as president.

February 2017: Trump's Presence at Mar-a-Lago Triggers Security Measures and Disruptions

During President Trump's stays at Mar-a-Lago in February 2017, extensive security measures were implemented, including flight restrictions, Coast Guard and Secret Service deployments, and road closures. These measures led to repeated closures of the nearby Lantana Airport, causing financial losses for businesses.

February 2017: Trump Considers Club Members for Ambassadorships

In February 2017, it was reported that President Trump was considering several Mar-a-Lago Club members for ambassadorial positions.

February 20, 2017: Trump Holds Rally and Appoints New National Security Advisor

On February 20, 2017, during his third weekend visit to Mar-a-Lago, President Trump held a campaign rally at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport. He also conducted interviews for a new National Security Advisor and ultimately appointed General H. R. McMaster to replace the recently terminated Michael Flynn.

April 4, 2017: ShareAmerica Publishes Blog Post on Mar-a-Lago History

On April 4, 2017, a U.S. Department of State website published a blog post detailing the history of Mar-a-Lago, prior to President Xi's visit.

April 5, 2017: U.S. Embassies Share Mar-a-Lago Blog Post

On April 5, 2017, the U.S. embassies in the UK and Albania shared the ShareAmerica blog post about Mar-a-Lago's history on their respective online platforms.

April 24, 2017: Questions Raised About Use of Government Resources to Promote Mar-a-Lago

By April 24, 2017, questions were raised by Senator Ron Wyden, Nancy Pelosi, and ethics observers regarding the use of government resources to promote Mar-a-Lago.

April 25, 2017: ShareAmerica and Embassies Remove Mar-a-Lago Posts

On April 25, 2017, ShareAmerica and the U.S. embassies in the UK and Albania removed their posts about Mar-a-Lago, citing a desire to avoid misperception about promoting a private property.

July 2017: Questions Raised About Mar-a-Lago Access and Visitor Logs

In July 2017, following President Trump's fourth weekend visit to Mar-a-Lago in early March, concerns arose regarding club members' access to the President and his entourage. This led to calls for the release of visitor logs and the introduction of the "Mar-a-Lago Act," ultimately resulting in a court order mandating the release of the logs in September.

August 2017: Organizations Cancel Events at Mar-a-Lago

In August 2017, following Trump's comments on the Charlottesville "Unite the Right" rally, several non-profit organizations, including the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society, cancelled their events at Mar-a-Lago.

November 2017: Trump Spends Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago

President Trump celebrated Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago in November 2017, and returned a month later for his tenth presidential visit during his Christmas vacation.

2017: Mar-a-Lago Club Revenue Reported

In 2017, the Mar-a-Lago Club reported $25.1 million in revenue.

2017: Trump's First Presidential Visit to Mar-a-Lago

President Donald Trump first visited Mar-a-Lago during the weekend of February 3–6, 2017.

2017: Trump Hosts Japanese Prime Minister at Mar-a-Lago

President Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe at Mar-a-Lago in 2017, marking the first time the estate was used to entertain a foreign leader. This visit coincided with a North Korean missile launch, leading to discussions between Trump and Abe amidst other diners.

November 2018: Trump's Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago

President Trump spent Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago in November 2018. A month later, he cancelled his planned Christmas visit due to the federal government shutdown.

2018: Trump Visits Mar-a-Lago Eight Times and Hosts Shinzō Abe

In 2018, President Trump made eight visits to Mar-a-Lago before its seasonal closure in May. Notably, he held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe on April 17–18.

2018: Mar-a-Lago Club Revenue Reported

The Mar-a-Lago Club's revenue for 2018 totaled $22 million.

March 30, 2019: Chinese National Arrested at Mar-a-Lago

Yujing Zhang, a Chinese national, was arrested at Mar-a-Lago on March 30, 2019, for unlawful entry and making false statements to federal law enforcement.

September 2019: Mar-a-Lago Becomes Trump's Primary Residence

In September 2019, Mar-a-Lago became Donald and Melania Trump's primary residence, despite a 1993 agreement limiting guest stays.

November 2019: Trump Returns to Mar-a-Lago for Thanksgiving and Christmas

In November 2019, President Trump spent Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago, and returned for Christmas the following month.

December 2019: Trespassing Arrests

Chinese nationals were arrested for trespassing at Mar-a-Lago in December 2019.

2019: Mar-a-Lago Designated Trump's Primary Residence

In 2019, Donald Trump declared Mar-a-Lago his primary residence.

2019: Mar-a-Lago Club Revenue Reported

The Mar-a-Lago Club earned $21.4 million in revenue during 2019.

March 7, 2020: Trump Hosts Bolsonaro at Mar-a-Lago

On March 7, 2020, President Trump hosted Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for a working dinner at Mar-a-Lago. They discussed efforts to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a potential trade deal, and Middle East peace.

March 11, 2020: Bolsonaro's Press Secretary Tests Positive for COVID-19

On March 11, 2020, it was revealed that Brazilian President Bolsonaro's press secretary, Fábio Wajngarten, who attended the Mar-a-Lago dinner on March 7, tested positive for COVID-19 after returning to Brazil.

December 2020: Neighbors Dispute Residency

In December 2020, neighbors challenged Trump's residency at Mar-a-Lago.

2020: "The Grifter's Club" Book Published

The book "The Grifter's Club", published in 2020, provided insights into Mar-a-Lago's membership history, including details about Jeffrey Epstein's expulsion.

January 2021: Presidential Records Moved to Mar-a-Lago

In January 2021, Trump moved presidential records to Mar-a-Lago, leading to an investigation.

2021: Trump's Residency Confirmed

In 2021, Palm Beach's attorney confirmed Trump's residency at Mar-a-Lago as an employee.

2021: End of Inflated Valuation Period

Up until 2021, the Trump Organization allegedly presented inflated valuations of Mar-a-Lago in their financial statements.

January 2022: Retrieval of Classified Documents

In January 2022, the National Archives retrieved classified documents from Mar-a-Lago.

May 11, 2022: Grand Jury Subpoena

On May 11, 2022, the Justice Department subpoenaed Trump for classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

August 8, 2022: FBI Search of Mar-a-Lago

On August 8, 2022, the FBI searched Mar-a-Lago as part of an investigation into the handling of classified documents.

August 2022: Woman Posing as Rothschild Heiress Frequents Mar-a-Lago

In August 2022, it was reported that a Ukrainian-born Russian speaker posing as a Rothschild heiress had gained access to Mar-a-Lago and interacted with Trump and Senator Lindsey Graham.

2022: Mar-a-Lago Valuation Disputes

In 2022, discrepancies arose regarding the valuation of Mar-a-Lago, with estimates ranging from $75 million to $739 million. Forbes estimated the value at $350 million, considering existing restrictions on the property.