Steve Doocy, the affable co-host of Fox & Friends, has built a career on delivering lighthearted morning banter and insightful interviews. But on a crisp morning in Palm Beach, Florida, what started as a routine behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Mar-a-Lago estate turned into an unforgettable revelation. Guided by none other than Eric Trump, the second son of President Donald Trump, Doocy was given an exclusive peek into the opulent world of one of America’s most famous private residences. Little did he know that tucked away in the depths of the mansion was a hidden tribute so personal and profound that it had remained a secret even to many of the family’s closest confidants and longtime guests.
Mar-a-Lago, often dubbed the “Winter White House” during Donald Trump’s first term in office, stands as a testament to grandeur and history. Built in the 1920s by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, the sprawling 126-room mansion sprawls across 17 acres of prime oceanfront property. Post envisioned it as a winter retreat for the elite, complete with lavish ballrooms, intricate mosaics, and gold-leafed ceilings inspired by European palaces. After her death, the estate was willed to the U.S. government as a potential presidential retreat, but it fell into disrepair until Donald Trump purchased it in 1985 for a reported $5 million. Under his stewardship, it was transformed into a private club, blending its historic charm with modern luxury. Today, it’s not just a home but a symbol of the Trump family’s resilience and influence.
As the cameras rolled for the live Fox & Friends segment, Doocy arrived at the estate’s imposing gates, greeted by the manicured lawns and palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze. Eric Trump, dressed casually yet impeccably in a polo shirt and slacks, welcomed him with a firm handshake and a warm smile. At 48 years old, Eric has long been involved in the family business, overseeing operations at the Trump Organization alongside his siblings. With his new book, “Under Siege: My Family’s Fight to Save Our Nation,” hitting shelves that very day, the tour served as a perfect promotional backdrop, offering viewers a glimpse into the personal side of the Trumps.
The tour began on the sun-drenched patio overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Doocy marveled at the breathtaking view, the turquoise waves crashing against the private beach just beyond the property line. “This is incredible,” Doocy exclaimed, his voice carrying the genuine awe of someone stepping into a world of unparalleled privilege. Eric nodded proudly, pointing out the beach club across the way. “You see those umbrellas? Exact same as the ones we put in the Rose Garden at the White House,” he said, referencing the recent renovations to the presidential grounds. It was a subtle nod to how the Trump family’s aesthetic has influenced even the nation’s most sacred spaces. Doocy chuckled, noting how the yellow-and-white striped canopies added a touch of resort elegance to both locations.
Moving onward, Eric led Doocy through the estate’s lush gardens, where fountains bubbled and exotic flowers bloomed in vibrant hues. They discussed the property’s storied past, with Eric sharing anecdotes about how his father had meticulously restored the mansion to its former glory. “Dad saw the potential here when no one else did,” Eric explained. “He fought zoning battles, preserved the historic elements, and turned it into a thriving club. It’s more than a house—it’s a legacy.” Doocy, ever the engaging host, asked about the challenges of maintaining such a vast property, especially amid the political storms the family has weathered. Eric’s responses were candid, touching on the legal battles and media scrutiny detailed in his book, but always circling back to themes of perseverance and patriotism.
As they transitioned indoors, the true splendor of Mar-a-Lago unfolded. The grand entrance hall, with its soaring ceilings and antique chandeliers, set the tone for opulence. Eric pointed out the intricate tile work imported from Spain and the hand-painted murals depicting scenes from classical mythology. They strolled through the living room, a space adorned with gilded furniture and priceless artworks, where family gatherings and high-profile events have taken place. Doocy paused to admire a massive fireplace, its mantle carved from rare marble, and Eric shared a lighthearted story about holiday celebrations there, with the Trump grandchildren running around under the watchful eyes of Secret Service agents during his father’s presidency.
Deeper into the mansion, they entered the library, a cozy yet majestic room lined with leather-bound books and mahogany shelves. Here, Eric discussed his father’s love for history, mentioning how Donald Trump often retreated to similar spaces for reflection. But it was as they approached a seemingly unremarkable panel in the wall that the tour took an unexpected turn. Eric glanced around with a mischievous grin, as if sharing a family secret. “Not many people know about this,” he whispered, pressing a concealed latch. The panel swung open, revealing a narrow passageway that led to a hidden chamber Doocy had no idea existed.
Stepping inside, Doocy was momentarily speechless. The room was small but exquisitely appointed, bathed in soft lighting from recessed fixtures. At its center stood a polished pedestal displaying a bronze plaque and a framed photograph. It was a tribute—a private memorial dedicated to the late Fred Trump, Donald Trump’s father, and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, his mother. The plaque bore an inscription: “To the builders of dreams, whose hard work and vision inspired a dynasty. From Scotland’s shores to America’s heights.” Flanking it were artifacts: a faded immigration document from Mary’s arrival from Scotland in 1930, a blueprint from one of Fred’s early housing projects in New York, and a small American flag that had flown over one of their first developments.
Eric explained that this hidden tribute was created by Donald Trump shortly after purchasing Mar-a-Lago, as a way to honor his parents’ immigrant roots and entrepreneurial spirit. “Dad wanted a quiet place to remember where we came from,” Eric said softly. “It’s not on any maps or tours. Even some of our longtime members and guests have never seen it. It’s personal— a reminder that everything we have stems from their sacrifices.” Doocy, recovering from his initial shock, asked about the secrecy. Eric replied, “In our family, some things are just for us. But sharing it now feels right, especially with the book coming out. It’s about fighting for what you believe in, just like they did.”
The discovery added a layer of humanity to the larger-than-life Trump narrative. As they exited the chamber and continued the tour, Doocy reflected on the contrast between the public persona of the estate—site of galas, summits, and fundraisers—and this intimate, hidden gem. They proceeded to the ballroom, a cavernous space capable of hosting hundreds, with crystal chandeliers and mirrored walls that have witnessed everything from celebrity weddings to diplomatic dinners. Eric recounted how Mar-a-Lago served as a de facto command center during his father’s first term, hosting world leaders like Japan’s Shinzo Abe and China’s Xi Jinping.
Wrapping up the tour, they returned to the patio, where Eric discussed the future. With Donald Trump back in the White House, Mar-a-Lago remains a vital hub for the family. “This place is home,” Eric said. “It’s where we recharge and plan what’s next.” Doocy thanked him, noting how the tour had offered viewers a rare insight into the blend of history, luxury, and personal story that defines the estate.
In the end, what began as a promotional walk-through evolved into a profound exploration of legacy. The hidden tribute, shrouded in secrecy for decades, served as a poignant reminder of the roots that ground even the most towering figures. For Doocy, it was more than a scoop—it was a moment that humanized the headlines, leaving him, and undoubtedly the audience, with a newfound appreciation for the unseen layers of Mar-a-Lago.
