Upon my arrival at Ned’s, a prestigious private club nestled in the political hub of Washington, DC, I’m solicited to cover my phone camera with a sticker. This obligatory act spurs a sense of confidentiality that the club holds at its core. The atmosphere buzzes with intrigue, power, and implied secrecy mirrored in the somewhat ominous, dimly lit environment.
Within moments, I find myself immersed in the VIP ambiance, a spicy tequila cocktail warming my insides. At my side, a State Department official grins surreptitiously as they recount the recent discharge of more than 1,300 members from their department. Their amusement is underscored by the insinuation that even this considerable number fell short of the mark.
As the night deepens, a key authority from the administration, assigned with the task of ‘protecting the nukes’, nonchalantly makes introductions. The bar humming with an acoustic cover of ‘Just the Two of Us’ provides a fittingly tranquil soundtrack to this unfolding narrative.
Ned’s, I notice, doesn’t lack the presence of governmental VIPs, and it’s not uncommon for cabinet secretaries to make an appearance. The boundaries of professionalism and leisure blur in such settings, crafting an interesting blend that the members seem to revel in.
On the leisurely Sundays, patrons lounging on the club’s rooftop bar catch glimpses of Donald Trump making his return trips from Mar-a-Lago on Air Force One. A sight that adds yet another layer of exclusivity and political charm to this sought-after club.
A youthful Republican member shrugs off any suggestiveness of the club having partisan affiliations, emphasizing instead on Ned’s concurrent status as the capital’s hot spot. He suggests that visitors from all political affiliations and backgrounds find Ned’s an attractive venue to unwind at.
On any regular day at Ned’s, says another member, it would not be unusual to rub shoulders with a Trump administration cabinet minister or an MSNBC anchor. Despite these high-profile mentions, it’s evident that the club’s appeal transcends political and professional categorization, nurturing a diversified yet elite membership.
It’s intriguing to note that Democrats, esteemed journalists, and others with differing ideologies feel at home here. This indiscriminate inclusivity, however, seems to recede into the backdrop on the night of my visit. The dominant mood undeniably leans towards the Trump-era flavor, reflecting an unmistakable shift in the capital’s cultural temperament in recent months.
Strikingly enough, it appears to be a rarity nowadays to discover a club, dining joint, or even a social event that maintains a truly non-partisan environment. I overhear speculations about local hangouts – from sports bars to Mexican eateries – being cornered for political maneuvers.
Similar sentiments resonate about Ned’s, with reports of the venue brimming with Republicans during its busiest hours. These observations indicate a burgeoning trend where power and political influence find less conspicuous, yet perceptibly stratified landing spaces.
Private members’ clubs in DC aren’t novel by any means. Historically, these establishments have served as hidden sanctums for the who’s who of power and influence to commune subtly, masked by the veil of social networking or recreation.
There are clubs in the vicinity that boast of counting no less than half a dozen former presidents among their members. Others, with longstanding legacies, have entertained various presidents as well as Supreme Court justices.
These exclusive clubs have experienced a surge of popularity in DC under the current Government. It’s fascinating to observe how preferred hangouts change with the changing guard, what once thrived during Trump’s initial term gradually fades out of vogue, clearing the stage for new favorites.
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