Working at Mar-a-Lago, the lavish estate owned by former President Donald Trump, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the elite. For Ashleigh Sasson, who began her journey at the renowned Beach Club in 2016, the experience was nothing short of intriguing. With a variety of roles spanning from reception to valet, Sasson’s tenure at Mar-a-Lago provided her with a front-row seat to the inner workings of one of the most famous private clubs in the country.
Sasson, who a chef initially approached from Mar-a-Lago, applied for a position early in 2016. Her diverse experiences ultimately led her to a steady role as a bartender and server at the Beach Club, where she thrived in a fast-paced, oceanside environment. “I could easily go home with around $150 cash each shift,” she stated in her editorial for Newsweek. While this amount is quite respectable, it falls short of the $200 average that bartenders typically make in Florida, according to industry sources like Binwise.
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During her time at the Beach Club, Sasson had the opportunity to meet several members of the Trump family. She described her encounters with Donald Trump as positive, noting he was “very professional, always smiling, kind, and generous.” However, her interactions with the former president were limited. After his election in November 2016, Trump was reportedly restricted from visiting the Beach Club as frequently, a claim that raises eyebrows given that he continued to frequent Mar-a-Lago during his presidency, leading to significant taxpayer expenditures.
Sasson’s role at Mar-a-Lago extended beyond just serving drinks; she became accustomed to catering to the extended Trump family. In her editorial, she revealed that the Trump family is deeply embedded in the operations of the Beach Club. One interesting tidbit she shared is that there is a salad named after Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump’s husband. This salad, consisting of chopped romaine, corn, chickpeas, avocado, cheese, roasted bell peppers, and tomatoes, remains kosher as long as it is not topped with any of the available protein options.
Working at Mar-A-Lago involved a lot of catering to the Trump family
The eating habits of the Trump children also caught Sasson’s attention. She observed that Ivanka and Jared’s children favored healthier options, while Eric and Lara Trump’s children had a penchant for fried foods and sweets. Additionally, she noted that Barron Trump, often touted by his father for his athletic abilities, could frequently be seen kicking a soccer ball around the property, with his grandmother keeping a watchful eye on him.
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Sasson also highlighted some of the unspoken rules that governed interactions with the Trump family. For instance, it was standard practice for staff to ensure that the family members never saw their bills. Moreover, she noted that tips from the Trump family were often not given in cash, but rather in the form of verbal appreciation. However, she praised Donald Trump for his generosity, stating, “The only one to show money on the property was the former president, and that was to show generosity and gratitude.”
While working at Mar-a-Lago may seem glamorous, Sasson’s insights reveal a complex and often contradictory reality. The allure of serving high-profile guests comes with its own set of challenges and expectations. The experience is a blend of luxury, privilege, and the demands that come with catering to one of America’s most famous families.
In summary, Sasson’s time at Mar-a-Lago offers a fascinating look into the dynamics of working in an elite environment. From the unique culinary preferences of the Trump family to the protocols that govern interactions, her experiences paint a vivid picture of life within the walls of this iconic estate. For those curious about what it’s like to work in such a prestigious setting, Sasson’s account serves as both an intriguing narrative and a reminder of the complexities that lie beneath the surface of wealth and power.
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