By John Q. Hosedrinker 
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Trump Throws Lavish Halloween ‘Great Gatsby’ Party On Eve Of SNAP Running Dry
The whole spectacle of Trump throwing a lavish, “Great Gatsby”-themed Halloween party on the very eve of SNAP benefits potentially running dry is, frankly, astounding. It’s hard to ignore the blatant disconnect between the opulent lifestyle being flaunted and the potential hardships facing millions of Americans. It feels like a carefully crafted performance of tone-deafness, a gesture that screams of indifference. The man is essentially playing Nero, fiddling while Rome – or in this case, the families relying on food assistance – potentially burns.
The “Great Gatsby” theme itself is a perfect, albeit unintentional, metaphor. Trump, like Gatsby, seems fixated on a fabricated past, clinging to a vision of greatness that never truly existed and likely never will. His obsession with recapturing some idealized version of the past, while seemingly oblivious to the present-day struggles of his supporters, is a recurring theme. The irony, of course, is that the original “Gatsby” story is a cautionary tale about the perils of wealth, illusion, and the hollowness of the American Dream when pursued without empathy or genuine connection.
The timing of the party, coinciding with potential cuts to SNAP, is particularly galling. While families are worrying about putting food on the table, Trump appears to be throwing a party that screams of excess and disregard. It’s an “asshole move,” as someone put it, and it feels like rubbing salt in the wound. The fact that he’s constantly talking about his new ballroom and will be hosting similar events when it is finished, adds another layer to this ostentatious display. It’s a reminder that while some struggle, he’ll be living his opulent life, seemingly without a second thought.
The potential for this to break the spell he holds over some of his supporters is a real question. How much more obvious does it need to be before some of them realize the con? The disconnect between his lifestyle and the reality faced by so many is stark. You’d think that the reality of potential benefit cuts juxtaposed with a “Great Gatsby” party would be a wake-up call, but his base seems increasingly unphased by this behavior.
And then there’s the aesthetic. The “Fatsby” comment, while perhaps a bit harsh, captures a certain truth. The “Great Gatsby” theme, intended to evoke glamour and wealth, feels tarnished when embodied by a man who seems out of touch and, let’s be frank, appears to be enjoying himself while others suffer. Perhaps the real tragedy here is the inability to see the parallels between the story and the reality he creates.
The parallels to historical events are impossible to ignore. The French Revolution vibes are palpable. The “Let them eat cake” sentiment, whether intentionally or unintentionally echoed, is chilling. And the fact that this is essentially the party the working-class MAGA supporters will never be invited to, is a bitter pill to swallow. Gatsby was a mobster, and the party itself symbolizes all about the rich and powerful, while the rest of us struggle.
Then there’s the potential for escalation. The suggestion that military action might be taken regarding Venezuela, further diverting resources away from domestic needs, is concerning. The irony of this situation is clear; the government can’t fund SNAP, but can throw lavish parties. It paints a picture of a man entirely disconnected from the needs and realities of everyday Americans.
Let’s not forget the inherent hypocrisy. The fact that he is seemingly unaware that his playlist is filled with gay anthems is somewhat ironic, or the fact that his eyes look puffy. It is a sign of someone who seemingly has no interest in, or awareness of, how the other half lives, and is a perfect example of his “don’t care” attitude. And the fact that this all was most likely planned six months in advance.
Ultimately, the entire event is a reminder of the chasm that exists between the haves and have-nots, and the seeming indifference of those in power to the struggles of those less fortunate.