Recent report by Daily Beast on December 1, 2023, scrutiny is once again directed towards Donald Trump’s business practices, this time zeroing in on the hefty resort fees imposed on guests across his properties.
From the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas to the Trump International Hotel on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, these fees are drawing criticism for significantly inflating the overall cost of a stay.
The Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, built on a three-acre parking lot, lacks the expansive features of traditional resorts. Nevertheless, it imposes a one-time resort fee of $132—almost equal to the $159 rate for a one-night stay in a king room in January.
Similarly, the Trump International Hotel on Waikiki Beach may advertise a room with an ocean view for $499 per night, but with a daily resort fee of $125, a three-night stay can surge to nearly $2,000 after accounting for additional fees and local taxes.
This focus on resort fees has taken a political turn, with Joe Biden’s campaign seizing the opportunity to frame them as a reflection of Trump’s values.
The Biden team argues that addressing these “junk fees” aligns with their commitment to transparency and consumer protection, as showcased in the White House’s executive order on corporate fees.
This order aims to ensure companies disclose the full cost of their products or services upfront, rather than surprising consumers with additional fees during checkout.
Democrats believe that emphasizing Trump’s use of resort fees can not only criticize his business practices but also serve as a unique angle to differentiate Biden’s approach. T.J. Ducklo, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, states:
“Joe Biden working to eliminate the sky-high junk fees Donald Trump greedily charges guests at his failing hotels perfectly encapsulates the difference in their values.”
The campaign is even considering featuring these fees in paid advertisements, capitalizing on the potential appeal to voters concerned about rising prices for goods and services.
Pollsters suggest that highlighting efforts to lower direct household expenses could be more effective than macro-level economic indicators in connecting with voters.
While the use of resort fees as a political weapon isn’t exclusive to Trump, the Biden campaign’s explicit focus on these fees marks a new strategy to refresh their economic message and challenge Trump’s business practices.
As the 2024 presidential election looms, the potential rematch between Biden and Trump raises questions about new lines of attack.
Resort fees, a widely recognized and often criticized aspect of hotel bills, could resonate with voters as a simple and relatable issue.
Even former Rep. Barney Frank sees this messaging not only as an attack on Trump but also as an opportunity to address broader economic concerns, particularly in the context of inflation.
While resort fees become a point of contention in the political arena, other figures emerge on the 2024 landscape.
Nikki Haley, often considered a potential Trump alternative, faces challenges in balancing her messaging and avoiding confrontations with the former president.
Whether Trump’s resort fees become a lasting focal point in the campaign or if new issues emerge, the strategies employed by both Democrats and potential Republican contenders will play a crucial role in shaping public opinion.
