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It’s lonely at the top. And although being the leader of the free world has its perks; around the clock security, assistants at the snap of a finger, five-star chefs, and a residence replete with the lore of the land and a storied history, there are only so many Lincoln bedroom stories one can hear. But it is especially difficult for the man who has socialized and been seen with everyone, almost everywhere, for decades.
But our crafty President Trump has found his way out of isolation by becoming the host with the most in D.C., and holding exclusive, off the calendar, get-togethers at the White House. Hey, if the mountain won’t come to Mohammed, throw a party.
For the first few months in the White House, President Trump would barge in on White House tours to chat away with people who resided beyond the bubble, the phone was glued to his ear, and Twitter, well, his 24/7 abuse of that platform may never cease.
Unlike his predecessor (in so many ways), Trump has shunned or was shunned from social events that previous administrations calendared to strut their stuff and garner more publicity. Who can forget the brouhaha over skipping the Kennedy Center Honors? Hollywood elites did not want Trump there but were beyond flummoxed when he declined the invitation. The former president absorbed the famous, blatantly enjoying a celebrity status, basking under the spotlight.
So, President Trump brings the party home.
The A-List
Trump’s private merrymakings have a drawn an A-list crowd, in small settings, for social entertainment, diplomacy, and impromptu, albeit unofficial, advisory board duties. A few Trump staffers tattled to Politico a bevy of party-goers that Trump tends to host the most:
“Patriots owner Bob Kraft, news magnate Rupert Murdoch and conservative media figures Chris Ruddy and Matt Drudge have been. So has Trump’s longtime New York real-estate developer friend Richard LeFrak. He’s also welcomed musician Kid Rock and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin — who posted photographs on social media of herself posing in the White House — and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who was one of President Barack Obama’s closest Wall Street allies.”
No Oprah, Hollywood narcissists, or pampered athletes on his guest list.
Trump does invite a few high-profile media types such as Sean Hannity and Rupert Murdoch, former campaign staffers, congressional allies, and those who some might consider the enemy. Several gatherings over the summer included top Democrats in the Senate at the residence for salad and steak, to talk about tax reform—an olive branch which most presidents do not offer the opposition.
Keeping on Top
Besides the social aspect, Trump stays ahead of the game by one on one meetings with leaders in technology and business, keeping his plans and policies current to the minute:
Peter Thiel
“Earlier this week, Trump ate with top Oracle executive Safra Catz and venture capitalist Peter Thiel, both close advisers who offer the president insight on the tech and business community.”
For those who doubt Trump’s intelligence, it appears they simply cannot grasp the methods to his rumored madness. The man is crazy like a fox. Reminiscent of Saturday Night Live’s skit on Ronald Reagan. One minute he’s taking photos with the girl scouts, and the next on the red phone, speaking Arabic and threatening war with the Cold War Commies. Yes, young friends, SNL was once comedic art and not a platform to shill for Mrs. Clinton.
It’s a great relief to know that President Trump has maintained, at least a smidgeon, of his former social life. A reclusive existence works for writers of all ilk, the Uni-bomber, and doomsday preppers, but when it comes to our nation’s leader, we want to know he’s letting off a bit of steam, gathering intel, and making decisions for the good of the order—not binge-watching Shark Week. Most of us regular Jills and Joes will never be invited into the inner sanctum, but oh, to be a fly on the wall of the next secret dinner party.
