Ever since late April, when officials in Washington found out about plans from Donald Trump Jr. and his associates to launch a high-end private club named Executive Branch—with membership fees as steep as $500,000—both intrigued socialites and observers alike, along with those focused on ethics, have been left with numerous queries rather than clear explanations.
Who is the intended audience, and what benefits can they anticipate receiving from membership? In what way will the club integrate itself within the local social and political landscape? Additionally, why is this ostensibly upscale establishment planning to set up shop at Georgetown Park, an area primarily recognized for its bowling alley, fashion stores, and DMV office?
As the Executive Branch gears up to launch later this month, we finally have some clarity.
Throughout the 2024 campaign, several of us formed strong bonds and expressed a desire to reconnect whenever our schedules brought us together in D.C.," stated Omeed Malik, who collaborates with Donald Trump Jr. at the venture capital firm 1789 and also helped establish the club, as reported by The Washington Post. "Republican-friendly venues are not abundant; this issue is widespread. We required an environment where acquaintances could communicate freely without fear of those discussions appearing in newspapers the following day.
How will this area appear? It will feature a wellness-focused menu inspired by the Make America Healthy Again initiative—beef tallow will likely make an appearance, while seed oils won’t be included. A renowned chef has been brought onboard: Salvatore Brucculeri from Carriage House, a members-only venue in Palm Beach, Florida. He’s tasked with crafting an American cuisine menu enriched with hints of Mediterranean flavors such as grilled fish, citrus notes, and olive oil, along with some Japanese influences; they also plan to recruit a sushi specialist. High-quality wine selections and cocktails will be available, though cigar smoking isn’t permitted. This establishment aims for daily operation, featuring multiple spaces including a casual bar, dining room, lounges, plus exclusive VIP zones upstairs. Expect interiors designed to mirror the sophistication found within opulent historic homes.
Regarding the $500,000 fee: this applies to the top level of Executive Branch membership, which will have limited spots available and mostly consist of non-local participants. More affordable options are offered within the lower six-figure range, with yearly fees falling into the four-to-five figure amounts—still quite steep but comparable to similar elite clubs. The initial cap on membership stands at approximately 200 individuals; however, interest has surpassed this limit significantly. Reporters from all perspectives, including those sympathetic towards MAGA, are excluded from joining. Furthermore, mobile devices must be left behind upon entry.
Recruiting support personnel may appear daunting due to D.C.'s progressive community. However, the Executive Branch staff is convinced that through thorough screening, they can identify and exclude candidates who might bring issues.
For Trump allies and MAGA influencer types looking for comfortable social spaces in a city full of liberals and feds, there are some new and old options to consider, such as Butterworth’s , Ned’s Club And Café Milano. However, the Executive Branch aims for a circle of influence that extends beyond the local Washington circuit. Malik mentions The Carriage House, along with 5 Hertford in London, noting that the creators "desired an upscale atmosphere akin to the most exclusive social clubs globally. Shouldn’t the national capital boast a luxurious venue similar to those found in other significant urban centers?"
This leads us to the setting.
The Executive Branch will be located in the lower section of the extensive Georgetown Park complex, which locals know all too well as the frustratingly difficult place housing the sole DMV office for northwest Washington D.C. The DMV area is also downstairs but positioned differently within the structure; thus, you won’t catch sight of it when heading over to update your driver’s license. Previously, this space functioned as a conventional shopping mall featuring an indoor courtyard complete with a fountain, earning itself notable appearances in several films such as " True Lies ” and “ No Way Out — but has since been repurposed as a mixed-use retail space with street-facing storefronts. Current occupants include T.J. Maxx and Gold’s Gym, with plans for a Uniqlo location to open soon. Prior to becoming Executive Branch at 1070 Wisconsin Avenue NW, this building housed a members-only bar named Clubhouse, restricted to those aged 23 and above due to the prior establishment, Church Hall, having gained notoriety. admitting underage drinkers with fake IDs. On the other side of the street, there’s a 90 Second Pizza and a shop that sells D.C. souvenirs made in China.
This mix of mid-range American decor seems at odds with the exclusive private luxury that the club aims for. The term "Mall-a-lago" immediately springs to mind. However, it's situated in Georgetown. Malik was adamant about placing the club there, describing it as an "iconic Washington neighborhood rich in social history." Members can enjoy their privacy since there’s a dedicated entry directly connected to the Executive Branch section via the parking lot. Additionally, this spot is far removed from most other local clubs—and from daily offices. According to Malik, "Our attraction to a site away from the political hubs around Capitol Hill and the White House offers just the right amount of separation, allowing our members some respite."
Recently, the political landscape has witnessed a revival reminiscent of exclusive private clubs with the launch of Ned’s Club, an upscale venue close to the White House frequented by high-profile individuals such as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, CNN correspondent Kaitlan Collins, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from New York, and entrepreneur Mark Cuban. Additionally, traditional establishments like the Cosmos Club and the Metropolitan are making efforts to attract a more youthful demographic. This trend was further highlighted when Tysons Corner hosted various events in May. Tower Club introduced a refurbishment and rebranding aimed at updating its appearance.
President Donald Trump – known as someone who frequents exclusive clubs – could have fostered "a greater respect for social standing within these establishments," according to Bill McMahon, the founder of the McMahon Group, a consultancy focused on private clubs. Although McMahon hasn't worked directly with the Executive Branch Club, his insights align with what others speculate: members are willing to invest heavily because they anticipate substantial returns. He suggested this perspective based on how potential new members view their investment when joining such prestigious venues.
Here's what has critics concerned: they fear the Executive Branch could become more than just a lavish retreat for high-flying tycoons (who wouldn’t feel the pinch from even a six-figure annual fee). Instead, it might serve as an entry point for individuals seeking favor within the administration and its supporters. Besides Donald Trump Jr. and Malik Rashid, the founders also include Christopher Buskirk, a partner at 1789 Capital, alongside Alexander and Zachary Witkoff—sons of Stephen Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East. Notable among the elite members are David Sacks, serving as the White House lead on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, and twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, known for their work in launching a digital currency exchange.
"It seems like a strategy to provide access to Donald Trump and his administration via this exclusive club for affluent contributors," states John Pelissero, a director at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. As an expert in governmental ethics, Pelissero worries that such a club might facilitate clandestine discussions of official matters.
Several Democratic representatives have described the Executive Branch in negative terms—none more vividly than Senator Adam Schiff (D-California). In his address on May 14, he portrayed it as an exclusive haven for insiders and tycoons aiming to enrich the president's family directly. He emphasized that this sends a straightforward message to those seeking to conduct business in the U.S.: "If you wish to align yourself with Trump, prepare to meet certain financial prerequisites."
Malik dismissed these allegations as "absurd."
Executive Branch members are already connected—there's no need for them to travel to Georgetown for access," he stated. "This venue isn't meant for fundraising or lobbying activities; instead, it provides a private and relaxed setting where members can savor the finest cuisine and beverages that DC has to offer." Additionally, he questioned, "Why aren't we seeing more media coverage criticizing exclusive clubs tailored towards Democrats?" He then referenced examples like the National Democratic Club with an entry fee of $500 plus yearly fees of $1440, and the Women’s National Democratic Club which requires an initial payment of $325 along with annual payments of $840. These organizations haven’t faced similar scrutiny despite their operations.
The club’s name instead implies a gateway to the actual The executive branch aims to "pay homage to our position in the country's capital," according to Malik. He also mentioned that the founders enjoyed the playful aspect of this idea. "Our members are leaders who excel in their respective fields, regardless of their specific industry or area of expertise."
It seems like an unknown individual is attempting to leverage the club’s presence to generate profit or create amusement—or possibly both. A webpage with a URL akin to that of Executive Branch has started accepting "memberships" through Bitcoin contributions. The website states, "Preference for communication might be granted to individuals showcasing their generous nature." Additionally, they mention that these donations could assist them in making "'all possible efforts'" to link you with the appropriate member or division addressing your requirements. Executive Branch asserts that this alternative site holds no connection to their organization, confirms that their legal advisors are handling the situation, and plans to get the unauthorized site taken down. real Executive Branch website It is straightforward, featuring a crest against a green backdrop along with an email for membership queries.
The club's enduring prosperity could hinge on the amount of time that members of the Trump family along with other high-profile individuals choose to spend there.
"My first instinct is that these individuals are extremely busy, so you won’t get to see them very often," McMahon states.
Perhaps that's why residents in the vicinity haven't raised many objections regarding the Executive Branch project. According to Neighborhood Commissioner Mimsy Lindner, the discussions along Lower Wisconsin Avenue have remained subdued and courteous.
People are just curious and mainly want to ensure that they have their liquor license," she explains through an email. "Nothing more than that.
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