Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore is exploring the possibility of shutting down former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in response to complaints heightened security measures that have disrupted local life — a stunning move that would disrupt the campaign of the Republican presidential candidate, who has complained he is already been bogged down by Democratic Party “lawfare.”
“In my mind, if the road is closed, the Mar-a-Lago Club is closed,” Moore warned during a town council meeting on August 13.
“There’s no way in God’s green earth that they can bring 350 people into that club. It’s completely illogical that you’ve got a road closed and then you’re going to let 350 strangers into your club.”
The controversy stems from the Secret Service’s decision to close South Ocean Boulevard near Mar-a-Lago indefinitely following an assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania on July 13.
The closure, in effect since July 20, impacts the road 24/7 through at least November 5, regardless of Trump’s presence.
Council Member Julie Araskog reported that residents have complained over difficulties for caregivers to access the area and concerns about emergency response times.
“Our residents don’t feel safe right now,” Araskog said.
Town Manager Kirk Blouin acknowledged the situation is complex — and filled with legal and political peril.
“We can’t physically go and remove the barriers,” Blouin said. “They ordered the shut down. … We need to know what our options are. That’s going to take some legal research.”
The town is exploring its legal options based on two previous agreements with Mar-a-Lago. A 1993 declaration-of-use agreement, which allowed the property to operate as a private social club, could potentially be used to revoke Mar-a-Lago’s occupational license if violations are found.
Mayor Moore insisted that politics play no role in the calls for relief.
“No one wants anything to happen to Trump,” she said. “However, you can’t have it both ways, boys and girls. Either the club’s open or not.”
As Palm Beach’s busy social season approaches, officials are increasingly concerned about worsening congestion. Creative solutions being explored include remote work options for town employees and coordination with Palm Beach County on traffic signal timing.
The town sent a letter to the Secret Service on July 22 asking for legal authority for the prolonged road closure. As of the council meeting, no response had been received.
On July 31, a Chinese citizen was arrested after repeatedly trying to enter Mar-a-Lago, claiming to have documents linking China to the assassination attempt on Trump. This incident has further heightened security concerns in the area.