Does the White House have an alcohol problem?

The New Power Centers of DC: Private Clubs and the Culture of Loyalty

The landscape of political influence in Washington, DC, is shifting. While the “old guard” once operated out of stuffy, traditional establishments, a new era of networking is emerging. Modern, flashy private members’ lounges are becoming the primary hubs where administration big wigs and young movers and shakers converge.

These spaces are more than just luxury lounges; they are where the boundaries between governance, social status, and partisan politics blur. As the culture of the capital evolves, the venues where power is brokered are reflecting a broader change in the administration’s approach to loyalty and conduct.

The Rise of the ‘Flashy’ Political Hub

The trend toward modern private clubs is exemplified by establishments like Ned’s Club. Unlike its predecessors, this venue focuses on a “Roaring Twenties” theme and offers high-end amenities, including a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the White House and the US Treasury.

These clubs serve as neutral-yet-exclusive ground. While they are often hotspots for the “MAGA crowd,” they also attract a diverse array of members, including journalists from CNN and the Wall Street Journal, as well as Democratic figures and former advisers.

Networking Beyond Partisanship

One of the most significant trends is the desire for spaces where members of both parties can coexist. The appeal lies in the unpredictability of the encounter—where a cabinet official might be sitting next to an MSNBC anchor. This suggests a future where political networking is less about formal diplomacy and more about curated, high-status social environments.

Conduct and the ‘Frat Boy’ Narrative

Alongside the rise of these exclusive lounges is a growing conversation regarding the conduct of high-ranking appointees. Recent reports have highlighted a pattern of behavior that some critics describe as a “frat boy” culture, where loyalty to the leadership is prioritized over traditional professional norms.

Allegations of excessive drinking have surfaced involving several senior figures. For instance, The Atlantic reported that FBI Director Kash Patel has been known to drink to the point of intoxication at Ned’s Club and the Poodle Room in Las Vegas. While Patel has denied these claims and filed a defamation lawsuit, the narrative persists.

Similar patterns have emerged elsewhere in the administration:

• Lori Chavez-DeRemer: The former Labor Secretary resigned following a misconduct investigation into allegations of drinking in her office and requesting employees bring wine to her hotel room during work trips.
• Pete Hegseth: The Defense Secretary faced scrutiny over intoxication at functions, leading him to publicly vow to become “fully dialled-in Pete” by giving up alcohol upon confirmation.

The Paradox of Teetotalism and Loyalty

There is a striking contrast between the habits of these appointees and the man they serve. Donald Trump is a known teetotaller who famously prefers Diet Coke and has a historical aversion to alcohol, partly influenced by the experience of his older brother, Fred Trump Jr., who struggled with alcoholism.

This creates a unique administrative dynamic: a leader who avoids alcohol presiding over a circle of loyalists whose social lives often revolve around high-end bars and private lounges. This trend suggests a shift where personal loyalty to the leader’s mission—such as Patel’s determination to investigate the 2020 election—is the primary metric of success, regardless of personal conduct.

The Future of Accountability

As the administration continues to promote individuals based on fealty, the tension between personal behavior and public office is likely to increase. The utilize of private clubs to shield these interactions from public view may continue, but as seen with the reporting from The New York Times, these exclusive spaces are not immune to scrutiny.

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