Tom Tate stands firm on Trump dinner despite organisation's denial
The Trump Organisation called Tate's claim of a Mar-a-Lago dinner a complete fabrication. Tate refused to take it back.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate claimed he had dinner with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in February. Tate was pitching a Trump-branded tower for the Gold Coast.
The Trump Organisation directly denied this on Tuesday. The Trump Organisation said Tate's account was a complete fabrication.
Trump only briefly said hello to Tate's table before having a separate dinner. Tate was confronted about the claim at a press conference.
He told an ABC journalist to leave. Tate said the dinner happened and the matter was private.
He had earlier told radio he and Trump shared tomahawk steaks and expensive wine. The White House also denied Trump and Melania had dinner with the group.
Tate later amended his register of interests. He paid for the trip himself.
He had first thought the Trump Organisation paid for it.
- February
- Month of visit
- Mar-a-Lago, Florida
- Location
- Trump-branded tower, Gold Coast
- Project discussed
Why it mattersA public figure's account of a high-profile meeting has been flatly rejected by the Trump Organisation. This raises questions about whether his claim is true and how he responded to scrutiny.
AustraliaGold Coast mayor's credibility and judgment face public scrutiny; could affect his standing as a local leader.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au·theage.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 9 d ago
