Trump Hosts Lavish Mar-a-Lago Gatsby Party Amid SNAP Aid Expiry, Government Shutdown

President Donald Trump hosted a lavish Great Gatsby-themed Halloween party at his Mar-a-Lago estate coinciding with the expiration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for about 42 million Americans amid a government shutdown. The extravagant event featured guests dressed in 1920s flapper costumes, burlesque dancers, and high-end decorations, drawing sharp criticism for its perceived insensitivity given the concurrent loss of food aid for millions. Critics, including Democratic politicians, condemned the party as tone-deaf and emblematic of Trump’s disregard for struggling Americans, highlighting the irony in celebrating the excesses of the Jazz Age while low-income families faced hardship. Despite public outcry, Trump appeared focused on promoting his White House renovations and hosting social events rather than addressing the SNAP deadline. The party included prominent figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Judge Jeanine Pirro, and members of Trump’s family, with some guests reportedly paying up to $1,000 for entry. This juxtaposition of opulence and crisis deepened political tensions as Trump prepared for another golf weekend at his private club.