THE WHITE HOUSE – WHO NEEDS IT?
From their incredible homes to their fantastic holidays, Donald Trump and his family live a life of unimaginable luxury LIVING IT UP
IT’S the prize of the presidency, the most prestigious address in America. With its 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is nothing but a dream to most politicians – but when Donald J Trump moves into the White House next year, the mansion, along with other perks of the position, will be viewed as rather a comedown. Trump’s wife, Melania, has made it clear she’s in no hurry to leave Trump Tower – the family has announced she and 10-year-old Barron are staying put in New York, at least until he finishes school in June. And you can hardly blame her. As veteran American talk-show host Barbara Walters said during a visit to The Donald’s palatial apartment in Trump Tower in Manhattan recent- Mar-a-Lago in Florida, one of the Trumps’ holiday homes, is also an exclusive private club. ly, “For many the White House is a step up. I’m looking around and the White House might be a step down.”
With a fortune of $3,7 billion (about R53,7 billion) Trump will be the richest US president ever – wealthier than all previous American presidents put together. The property magnate indicated he won’t be taking a cent of his $400 000 (about R5,8 million) annual presidential salary.
The way he lives his life gives new meaning to the word bling. Here’s a look at how the presidency will look like slumming it when the multibillionaire mogul assumes office on 20 January. Whenever Trump buys anything it’s usually a case of out with the old and in with the gold. At his mansion in Charlottesville, Virginia, even the trash cans are gold-rimmed.
Despite the shoot- from- the- hip presidentelect declaring he’ll only “maybe touch it up a little bit”, others live in fear of the stamp The Donald will put on the presidential pile.
“I see the White House turning very gold,” New York designer Eddie Ross says. “Money can’t buy style.”
New York interior decorator Elaine Griffin agrees. She’s seen pictures of the Obamas’ private living quarters in the White House and “the rooms are elegant, chic, stylish”, she says. “It’s all about to be ripped up. Buy gold leaf shares now. Invest in marble. Somewhere Jackie Kennedy is turning over in her grave.”
Trump has hinted he’d like to add another ballroom to the White House – at his own expense, of course.
The $100-million (about R1,4-billion) three-storey penthouse apartment Trump now shares with Melania (46) and Barron is decorated with gold fittings, crystal chandeliers, marble columns and floors and risqué sculptures. Drinks are served on gold-plated trays.
The rooftop suite’s rococo look was designed by the late Angelo Donghia, also known as “the Saint Laurent of sofas”. And the view from the 66th floor is to die