Pay $1M for a chance to dine with Melania Trump

In early January 2017, significant fundraising efforts were underway in the United States for Donald Trump's inauguration, set to take place on January 20, 2017. Donors contributing $1 million or more to the event could enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including an elegant dinner with Melania Trump and President Donald Trump, scheduled for January 19. These arrangements were laid out in a flyer obtained by The New York Times, detailing numerous events planned in Washington D.C. to mark the occasion. This strategy mirrored Trump's first inauguration, which garnered approximately $107 million for various high-profile events, showcasing his ability to mobilize substantial financial support from wealthy contributors. In addition to the intimate dinner, donors received tickets to multiple inaugural functions, including the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, underscoring the high stakes involved for both the donors and the organizers of the events. The formalities of the inauguration itself attracted significant public and media attention, and the cost associated with security measures for the event was anticipated to exceed $100 million, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining safety during such high-profile occurrences. Despite Melania Trump's real estate ventures and business interests prior to her husband's presidency, the flier did not confirm her participation in all inaugural events, although it noted her attendance at a Sunday service with her husband before the inauguration. The absence of regulations regarding her business pursuits as First Lady raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially since the position is not recognized as a federal employee role with respect to Emoluments clauses. Some speculated that Melania would continue her business ventures with the intent of donating portions of proceeds to various charities, although transparency regarding the actual charitable contributions remained unclear. The fundraising model heavily relied on large donors who could afford to contribute significant sums for access to exclusive gatherings and intercessions with political figures. In this instance, substantial donations were sought not only to enhance the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the transition of power but also to settle various legal settlements arising from previous contracts associated with Trump's business dealings. The intricate networks between Trump's businesses and the inaugural committee highlighted challenges in separating his commercial interests from his duties as president, a theme that echoed throughout his presidency. As the inauguration approached, the strategic implementation of a vast campaign to attract rich patrons encapsulated the intertwined nature of governance and commerce in Trump's administration. Overall, the multiple events scheduled leading up to the inauguration underscored a significant overlap of social functions, political celebrations, and substantial private fundraising efforts that called into question the foundations upon which such a government could operate effectively without considerable bias towards wealthy individuals.