Gold Coast Mayor’s Mar-a-Lago Trip Funded by Trump Organization, Flights Paid by City
SURFERS PARADISE, AUSTRALIA – A recent trip to Mar-a-Lago by Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate was partially funded by the Trump Organization, according to an updated register of interests released Tuesday. The mayor met with former U.S. President Donald Trump and his son, Eric Trump, in February during a month-long overseas trip.
The Trump Organization covered the costs of Tate’s accommodation, meals, and transport to and from Miami airport, according to the register. However, the city of Gold Coast paid for all flights related to the “Mayoral Mission,” a council spokesperson confirmed.
The visit occurred less than two weeks before Eric Trump announced plans via X (formerly Twitter) for the Trump Organization to build a 91-story skyscraper in Surfers Paradise – potentially the tallest building in Australia. The announcement followed a separate trip to Mar-a-Lago by Australian developer Altus’ director David Young.
“I am so proud to announce what will soon be the tallest building in Australia,” Eric Trump posted on X.
Previously, Tate had stated that ratepayers did not fund the trip, but declined to provide specifics on how it was financed during an early March interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He later clarified that some expenses were covered as an invitation extended to him in his capacity as mayor.
The proposed skyscraper has sparked debate, with an online petition garnering over 138,000 signatures opposing the development. Concerns raised include overdevelopment, environmental impact, and the appropriateness of the Trump brand within the community.
No development application has yet been submitted for the project.
The Age and Brisbane Times first reported on the details of Tate’s trip and the Trump Organization’s funding.
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