Palm Beach residents divided over Trump’s frequent visits

World Today

In downtown West Palm beach it’s a relaxed, sunny, beautiful place to live, and it’s about to become the center of international diplomacy.

The local headline in the Palm beach daily news reads “Islanders brace for arrival of Trump, Xi” and while it’s bringing the worlds attention not everyone here is happy about it.

CGTN’s Nathan King reports.

Despite it being President Donald Trump’s second home, Palm Beach County voted for Hillary Clinton in the election.

Some residents are annoyed that security takes over the local streets and business drops.

And there are those who think Trump’s presence at Mar-a-Lago – the now official Winter White House – is putting tiny Palm Beach on the map.

George Bennett is the political reporter for the local newspaper the Palm Beach Post. He said after such a contentious election there have been protests here every time Trump flies in.

“This is a county that went close to sixty percent for Hillary Clinton, so it’s not really Trump country. These aren’t really his voters,” Bennett said.

But as well as protesters there will be supporters, too. After all, Trump won the state of Florida and many of his fans turn up to cheer him on when he’s in town.

After Xi Jinping’s visit, the locals here may get a break from international diplomacy. The Winter White House may close down as spring and summer roll in. The Mar-a-Lago club shuts for the season May 1.