Former Mar-a-Lago Waitress Shares Insights from Her Time at Trump’s Club
Ashleigh Sasson, from Palm Beach, Florida, detailed her experience working at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club between January 2016 and May 2018 in an essay for Newsweek. Sasson described both the lucrative and challenging aspects of her job at the exclusive members-only club.
She mentioned a significant incident in which a Mar-a-Lago chef, impressed by her work ethic at a local burger joint, offered her a chance to apply for a position at the club. Sasson was hired and worked as a server, bartender during major events, and occasionally assisted with valet and reservations. Her job often involved serving high-profile guests and handling large volumes of patrons, particularly during peak season.
Despite the demanding workload, Sasson explained that the job was financially rewarding. Servers could take home around $150 in cash daily during peak season, with generous members sometimes giving tips as high as $1,200. However, she pointed out an "unspoken rule" that the Trump family did not tip servers, though Donald Trump would occasionally give tips and the family expressed gratitude verbally.
Sasson recounted interactions with well-known figures, including the Trump family members, who she described as professional and respectful. She mentioned that Donald Trump was always kind and generous, and although he visited less frequently after his 2016 election, she spent considerable time serving his children and their families.
Her experience included handling "distasteful moments," such as an incident with an entitled customer who tried to pull her into a hot tub. Sasson emphasized that, despite some negative experiences, she gained substantial customer service skills and cherished her overall experience at Mar-a-Lago, feeling privileged to work in such a high-profile environment.
Mar-a-Lago, known for its lavish facilities and events, remains a significant part of Donald Trump's life, hosting various high-profile guests and extravagant parties.