In the heart of Washington D.C.'s prestigious Georgetown neighborhood, a new kind of social club has opened its doors—or rather, its discreet, hidden entrance. Executive Branch, the latest venture by Donald Trump Jr., is an ultra-exclusive private club where the price of entry starts at a cool half-million dollars. The club's launch signifies not just the establishment of a new hotspot for the city's wealthy elite but also a clear demarcation of political territories within the Republican party.
Located behind Georgetown Park, Executive Branch is accessible via a nondescript staircase next to the mall's parking garage—a design choice that underlines the club's emphasis on intimacy and privacy. Trump Jr. has co-founded the venture with several notable figures from his father's administration and business circle, such as David Sacks, the Trump-appointed crypto czar, and Zach and Alex Witkoff, sons of the former president's Middle East envoy. Other founding members include Omeed Malik of 1789 Capital and Chris Buskirk from the conservative donor group Rockbridge Network.
Membership to Executive Branch is not merely a financial transaction; it involves an intricate vetting process. Prospects must have a personal connection to one of the club's owners and share their political leanings. Media personnel are explicitly barred from joining, a policy in line with the founders' intention to foster unguarded political discourse without journalistic scrutiny.
David Sacks articulated the club's philosophy on a recent podcast, emphasizing the need for a space that aligns with Trump-era Republicans rather than those from the Bush administration. The club's spokesperson further highlighted this selective approach, noting that wealth alone is insufficient for entry—international business figures cannot buy their way in. According to an insider, the club aims to keep its membership below 200, ensuring exclusivity.
The founding members' roster is a who's who of politics and business, including the Winklevoss twins and venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya. Executive Branch's recent launch party saw a gathering of Trump administration officials, including Marco Rubio, Pam Bondi, and Tulsi Gabbard, along with technology industry leaders like AppLovin CEO Adam Foroughi.
Despite the fanfare, the club's establishment raises questions about the widening rift within the GOP and the shaping of social spaces along partisan lines. As Washington's elite navigate these new dynamics, the implications for political discourse and campaigns in the city are yet to be seen.
