As Donald Trump's time using the White House as a residence comes to a close, residents of Palm Beach are attempting to ensure that the former President isn't hoping to make a permanent move to his resort, Mar-a-Lago.
Citing a legal agreement Trump signed in 1993 in order to classify the resort as a commercial property, Mar-a-Lago's neighbors have told the city and the Secret Service that no person can name the resort his or her personal residence.
Mar-a-Lago's neighbors have a message for Trump: We don't want you as our neighbor. In a formal letter to Palm Bea… https://t.co/4CJ7H25GeQ— Kyle Griffin (@Kyle Griffin) 1608123601.0
Many on Twitter pointed out that, since Trump isn't legally allowed to live at Mar-a-Lago, he likely wasn't supposed to register to vote from Florida as he did in November 2020.
@kylegriffin1 It drives me nuts that this isn’t talked about more. Him living there is illegal which also means tha… https://t.co/5QufskXZiy— Collin Norton (@Collin Norton) 1608124136.0
@kylegriffin1 “There’s absolutely no legal theory under which he can use that property as both a residence and a cl… https://t.co/2G3J6uBKyC— Doug Wiser (@Doug Wiser) 1608151339.0
Glenn Zeitz—a nearby homeowner who joined the effort to make sure President Trump doesn't retire to Mar-a-Lago—commented:
"There's absolutely no legal theory under which he can use that property as both a residence and a club."
A Trump organization official who "was not authorized to speak publicly about legal issues" responded:
"There is no document or agreement in place that prohibits President Trump from using Mar-a-Lago as his residence."
Many online suspected the Mar-a-Lago neighbors were hoping to avoid the circus that surrounds Trump wherever he travels.
@kylegriffin1 Palm Beach residents do not want the Trump cult on their sidewalks in their flag attire and muscle sh… https://t.co/2GrlWQRr1T— Barbara Caudill (@Barbara Caudill) 1608127880.0
"It's been a circus there for four years and they're fed up with it." https://t.co/SJySH7VWIC— Kate Bennett (@Kate Bennett) 1608157049.0
Other parts of Trump's agreement from the 90's will likely come back to haunt him as well.
@kylegriffin1 Trump is ALSO not allowed the temporary (presidential allowance) helipad at mar-a-lago after Jan 20th… https://t.co/6kKwjP6vnl— Stephen Elpop (@Stephen Elpop) 1608124040.0
@kylegriffin1 Even absent a legal agreement, he can’t possibly want to live there while guests roam around. “Real… https://t.co/MpN14gmYss— abbie (@abbie) 1608123790.0
For the first time in memory, Americans are doing everything they can to make sure the President doesn't return to their neck of the woods after his term is over.
@kylegriffin1 Welp. There's always room in Russia.— Kevin Grandia (@Kevin Grandia) 1608175121.0
@washingtonpost Keep him away from NJ. His stupid golf trips shut down half the airspace up here, nothing can fly when he goes golfing!— Ria Jairam - N2RJ (@Ria Jairam - N2RJ) 1608080015.0
@kylegriffin1 Well, I thought he said he was leaving the country if Biden won, anyway? Is he not making good on that promise?— Michele Bradley (@Michele Bradley) 1608141726.0
Palm Beach residents say they want to avoid an "awkward situation" where the President moves into Mar-a-Lago then has to be removed several weeks later.
@xxdalejrxx88 @kylegriffin1 Nope. Even as the owner he’s not allowed to reside there. It’s a wholly commercial prop… https://t.co/o1le3j24rV— rachel steadman (@rachel steadman) 1608136693.0
This January, America will find out which city—or country—gets Donald Trump. So start crossing your fingers now, everyone.