President Donald Trump, joined by First Lady Melania Trump and their children, is settling in for a long weekend that signals the start of their annual migration from Mar-a-Lago to the so-called “Summer White House.”

According to Daily Mail, the Trump family is gathering at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, where private cottages, sprawling greens, and luxury amenities await. The president is expected to spend weekends and much of August on the 500-acre property, joined at intervals by Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Lara Trump, and their families.

The Trumps’ Bedminster retreat is more than a vacation spot. It has become a symbol of the president’s preferred lifestyle outside Washington, with each family member enjoying their own customized golf cart, access to private cottages, a spa, tennis, and pickleball courts, and even a helicopter pad for quick commutes.

Family Time and Club Life

Nestled in the New Jersey countryside, the Bedminster compound has evolved into a seasonal hub for the Trump family. Trump National Golf Club spans 500 acres, with two championship courses, a full-service spa, a yoga center, and various sports courts. The property’s design allows each Trump to have their own private space, and the family is often seen using their personalized golf carts to get around.

Melania Trump arrived earlier in the week, having flown in from Washington D.C. after attending a Senate Spouses’ luncheon. President Trump joined her on Friday evening, marking the beginning of their summer tradition. The club has served as a gathering place for the wider Trump family, with Ivanka and Jared Kushner—who married on the property in 2009—often staying in a matching cottage nearby, along with their children.

Meals can be taken in the privacy of their cottages or in the club’s grand clubhouse, which also serves as a popular venue for weddings and other major events. Members who pay a reported $125,000 initiation fee can rent rooms or smaller cottages. The property’s old barn and stable have become sought-after photo backdrops for guests.

Privacy, Security, and Family Expansion

Privacy and security are priorities at Bedminster. A red brick wall surrounds the president’s expanded cottage, a feature added by the Secret Service to ensure protection. Trump’s residence boasts a large turret, wraparound windows, and a second-floor balcony, while Ivanka and Jared’s cottage has been expanded to include a basement, extra bedrooms, and a veranda, accommodating their growing family.

The family’s presence in Bedminster has increased since Trump’s presidency began. Melania and Barron have spent significant time in New York, while Ivanka and Jared now reside in Miami, opting not to move to Washington for the president’s current term. Eric, Lara, and Don Jr. visit the White House sporadically but prioritize their own schedules and families.

For Trump, Bedminster offers a rare chance to reconnect. After living alone in the White House for much of the year, the summer months at the club allow him to spend extended time with Melania and their children—a contrast to the relative solitude of his Washington residence.

The Club’s Unique Features and History

Trump National Golf Club Bedminster is more than a family retreat; its history stretches back long before Trump’s 2002 purchase. Previously known as Lamington Farm, the land was once owned by John DeLorean, the famed car developer behind the iconic DeLorean sports car from “Back to the Future.” Trump transformed the property into a private country club, adding two golf courses that have since hosted two LIV Golf Tournaments.

Notably, the Trumps received approval in 2014 to build a family cemetery at the club, where Ivana Trump is now buried. The original cemetery plans included a mausoleum with ten plots and a 19-foot-tall stone obelisk. Marine One, the presidential helicopter, can land directly in front of Trump’s cottage, offering a seamless commute between the club and official duties.

The club’s reputation for exclusivity and luxury attracts not only the Trump family but also elite members and guests from across the country. Its ballroom and scenic grounds make it a popular choice for high-profile weddings and celebrations.

Speculation Over Trump’s Summer Agenda

The president’s summer in Bedminster is drawing attention from both supporters and critics. Proponents see the retreat as a well-earned respite and a demonstration of Trump’s commitment to family values, highlighting the importance of personal time amid a demanding presidency. Critics, however, have questioned the optics of presidential leisure at luxury properties, arguing that such displays reinforce perceptions of elitism and privilege.

Some have raised concerns about the costs and security implications associated with maintaining a presidential presence at a private club. Others point to the club’s role as a gathering place for Trump’s adult children, noting that, unlike the first term, Ivanka and Jared are living in Miami and have not assumed regular roles in the administration.

Despite the scrutiny, Trump’s supporters argue that the Bedminster retreat is a longstanding family tradition and an appropriate setting for the president to recharge. The club’s amenities and privacy allow the family to maintain a sense of normalcy away from the public eye.