The Guardian (USA)

Want to book Donald or Melania for an event? Trump has a website for that

- Martin Pengelly

Visitors to Donald Trump’s new website can book the former president and his wife, Melania Trump, for personal appearance­s and greetings. One page on the website, 45office.com, deals with “scheduling”. Users “interest[ed] in inviting Donald J Trump or Melania Trump to participat­e in your event” are instructed to use a form provided.

Among questions to be answered are “Will Media be Present?” and whether any “Notable Attendees” are expected.

Former presidents and major public figures often sign up with profession­al agencies for public speakers. Trump’s move, however, is typical of a man ever eager to control his own image – and all profits from it.

His new website also offers personaliz­ed greetings. Unlike celebritie­s including the former Trump campaign manager

Corey

Lewandowsk­i, who signed up with Cameo, a website that sells greetings and messages from celebritie­s, Trump’s website does not say he is charging for the service – or for scheduled personal appearance­s.

Trump’s staff does seem to be attempting to filter out any embarrassi­ng or pranking requests. Last year, for example, a comedian paid Lewandowsk­i to congratula­te a fictional small child for “using the big boy toilet” and “doing a great job with your poopies”.

A statement on Trump’s website reads: “Thank you for your interest in receiving a greeting from Donald J Trump and Melania Trump for your special occasion. Please allow up to six weeks for processing of your request.”

Reasons for requesting a greeting are listed as: “Birthday (adult), Birthday (child), Birthday (veteran), Military retirement, Wedding, Wedding anniversar­y, Condolence, New baby welcome, Graduation, Girl Scout gold award and Eagle Scout award.”

Users are also offered a chance to

 ??  ?? A statement on Trump’s website reads: ‘Thank you for your interest in receiving a greeting from Donald J Trump and Melania Trump for your special occasion.’ Photograph: Stefani Reynolds/EPA
A statement on Trump’s website reads: ‘Thank you for your interest in receiving a greeting from Donald J Trump and Melania Trump for your special occasion.’ Photograph: Stefani Reynolds/EPA

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