Trump Charges $5M for One-on-One Meetings in Fundraising Spike

President Donald Trump has significantly increased the price for private one-on-one meetings, now charging $5 million for such an audience, up from $1 million for group dinners at Mar-a-Lago just months ago. These meetings are arranged through MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, and have drawn criticism even from within his own party for the appearance of pay-to-play corruption. Lobbyists report that despite the high fees, there is no guarantee of policy influence or return on investment, and some have likened the arrangement to 'outer-borough Mafia' tactics. Trump’s fundraising efforts have included exclusive events such as a $1.7 million per seat crypto dinner, reflecting a broader strategy to monetize access to the presidency. This aggressive monetization has led to concerns about corruption, with critics asserting that the flood of cash has overwhelmed existing ethical safeguards. Meanwhile, lobbyists advise clients on how to navigate Trump's unpredictable conversational style, known as 'The Weave,' which involves rapid topic shifts, and caution against mentioning Trump family members publicly, as the president is sensitive about that subject.