Trump bump! Many of the President's inner circle have bought luxury homes in Washington, DC; here's who they are and how much they spent

Trump bump: Why Trump’s inner circle is spending millions on luxury homes in Washington, DC - Ever since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, several members of his inner circle have followed him right into the heart of power—and they’ve made themselves comfortable in some of DC’s most expensive zip codes. From tech billionaires to cabinet appointees, Trump allies are snatching up luxury properties, turning heads in the real estate world, and sparking what agents are now calling the “Trump bump.”

These big-money purchases show how serious the new administration is about staying close to the action. At the same time, they’re giving Washington’s high-end housing market a major jolt.

What’s behind the ‘Trump bump’ in Washington’s luxury housing market?

According to Long & Foster’s February 2025 luxury housing report, a total of 224 homes priced at $1.5 million or more were sold in the DC metro area—a jump of 11.4% from last year.

While the median sales price in DC sits at $642,500 (as reported by Redfin), neighborhoods like Georgetown and Kalorama Heights are on another level. Georgetown’s median now stands at $1.65 million, and Kalorama comes in at around $777,500.

These aren’t just numbers—they reflect a shift in power. The Trump administration’s key players are moving in, and they’re doing so with deep pockets.

Mark Zuckerberg made a $23 million splash with his DC mansion

In March, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg joined the growing list of Trump-era DC residents. He purchased a 15,000-square-foot mansion for $23 million in the Woodland Normanstone neighborhood—just four miles from Capitol Hill.

According to Politico, the home features three gable-roofed structures connected by glass walkways. Though most of the listing details have been wiped offline, listing agent Daniel Heider confirmed it was the third-highest home sale in DC’s history and sits on 1.08 acres.

A Meta spokesperson told Business Insider that the home will help Zuckerberg spend more time in DC, where he’s working on tech policy and American innovation issues. The Wall Street Journal also noted he visited Trump’s White House three times recently—another sign of his growing influence in political circles.

Treasury secretary Scott Bessent spent $12.5 million on a Georgetown home

Not long after his January 27 confirmation, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent closed on an $12.5 million home in the Georgetown neighborhood, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Before his appointment, Bessent was the CEO of Key Square Capital Management. His new 8,048-square-foot home, built in 1941, features five bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, and a saltwater pool. The house previously belonged to Constance J. Milstein, the U.S. ambassador to Malta from 2022 to 2025.

Bessent didn’t waste time. He made the purchase just four days after taking office—a move that shows he’s in for the long haul.

Trump nominee Jacob Helberg’s husband dropped $6.7 million in Kalorama Heights

Keith Rabois, venture capitalist and husband of Trump’s undersecretary of state nominee Jacob Helberg, bought a $6.7 million townhome in Kalorama Heights earlier this year, according to DC property records.

The home spans 6,620 square feet and features seven bedrooms. Helberg, still awaiting Senate confirmation, is currently a senior advisor at Palantir Technologies.

Meanwhile, the couple is reportedly looking to sell their $65 million Miami mansion, which includes a giant aquarium that requires a scuba diver to clean.

RFK Jr. bought a $4.43 million townhouse close to JFK’s old home

In April, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. closed on a $4.43 million townhouse in Georgetown, according to the Washingtonian. The 4,876-square-foot home was listed for $4.85 million in late 2024 and originally bought for $2.675 million back in 2013.

Located just half a mile from the former home of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, the purchase holds personal meaning for RFK Jr., whose uncle served as the 35th U.S. president.

Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick broke records with a $25 million buy

In one of the most eye-popping deals so far, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick bought Fox News anchor Bret Baier’s mansion for $25 million—the highest home sale ever recorded in Washington, DC.

The 16,250-square-foot mansion in the Foxhall neighborhood was originally listed for $31.9 million. Lutnick paid cash and sealed the deal in December 2024, just before his confirmation.

According to the listing, the property features a 56-foot heated pool, indoor sports court, golf simulator, and marble throughout. Lutnick previously served as CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald.

David Sacks paid $10.25 million for a luxury penthouse in Georgetown

David Sacks, Trump’s appointed “czar” for crypto and artificial intelligence, bought a $10.25 million penthouse in Georgetown in December 2024, Axios reported.

The 6,400-square-foot property comes with four bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a sprawling terrace. Sacks, known for his work in Silicon Valley and as a member of the “PayPal Mafia,” is now leading Trump’s charge into crypto and AI regulation.

What do all these purchases say about Trump’s second term?

Trump’s second term isn’t just about policy—it’s also reshaping the DC landscape, quite literally. With top figures like Mark Zuckerberg, Scott Bessent, Howard Lutnick, and RFK Jr. investing millions into high-end homes, it’s clear they’re settling in for a long ride.

This real estate trend goes beyond politics—it’s a signal of where influence is shifting and how power is taking physical shape. The Trump bump isn’t just a headline. It’s a phenomenon changing the face of Washington.

FAQs:

Who are Trump allies buying luxury homes in DC in 2025?
Top Trump allies like Mark Zuckerberg, Scott Bessent, and RFK Jr. bought multimillion-dollar homes near Capitol Hill.

Why is Trump’s second term boosting DC’s real estate market?
Trump’s second term sparked a buying spree as his inner circle invests in staying close to Washington’s power center.