Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort doubles membership fee to $200,000

Change in pricing likely to fuel speculation Trump Organisation will benefit from President's position

Mr Trump bought the Mar-a-Lago estate in 1985 (David Usborne)

The Trump Organisation has doubled the membership fee of its Palm Beach Mar-a-Lago resort to $200,000 (£158,500) following Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President.

The increase reportedly came into effect on 1 January and had been considered for some time, sources close to the resort told CNBC.

It is unclear whether the price increase came following a rise in demand for the exclusive Florida destination, which now offers the opportunity to rub shoulders with the 45th leader of the free world.

The members-only resort is set on 20 acres of land, with a 20,000-square-foot ballroom, beach club, large pool area, tennis courts, and restaurants.

On top of the joining fee, members pay $14,000 (£11,000) a year in annual fees, plus tax.

The joining fee was cut in 2012 from $200,000 to $100,000 (£79,000) following a reported decline in memberships following the Bernie Madoff investment scandal.

However, this year’s change in pricing is likely to add to speculation that the Trump Organisation could benefit from Mr Trump’s position.

It came as Trump Hotels CEO Eric Danziger hinted at aggressive expansion plans across the US.

"There are 26 major metropolitan areas in the U.S., and we’re in five," Mr Danziger said, according to Bloomberg. "I don’t see any reason that we couldn’t be in all of them eventually."

Mr Trump resigned from his position as CEO of the Trump Organisation before taking office and announced he would be transferring control of his company to his sons, although the plan falls far short of what ethics experts advised.

Partners in two foreign business projects, that Mr Trump confirmed would go ahead in spite of his presidency, were given VIP treatment during his inaugural festivities, Mother Jones reported.

Indonesian billionaire Hary Tanoesoedibjo, who is developing a pair of luxury resorts in Indonesia with the Trump Organisation, and Hussain Sajwani, a Dubai-based luxury real estate developer who has licensed the Trump name, were both in attendance.

In an Instagram post just hours after the inauguration, Ali Sajwani, Mr Sajwani's son said: "the world is looking forward to a lucrative eight years ahead!"

The Independent has contacted the Trump Organisation for comment.