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Iron & Tusk: Where Prime Beef Meets Trump-Backed Power

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/14 .. k-where-prime-beef-meets-trump-backed-power.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 12:06 GMT by Le Monde.fr

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A Meat‑Forward Restaurant and an Exclusive Club for the Rich: The Washington of Trump Loyalists

In the latest issue of Le Monde’s monthly magazine, an exposé delves into a startling intersection of gastronomy, politics, and elite networking that is reshaping Washington, D.C., in 2025. The article, titled “A Meat‑Forward Restaurant and an Exclusive Club for the Rich: The Washington of Trump Loyalists,” chronicles the rise of the Iron & Tusk, a high‑end steakhouse that doubles as a private club for the city’s most powerful Trump supporters. By following the links embedded throughout the piece—ranging from the restaurant’s own website to independent analyses of Trump‑era patronage—the author paints a vivid picture of a new kind of political enclave where the love of prime beef and the desire for influence go hand in hand.

The Iron & Tusk: A Culinary Fortress

The article opens with a sensory tour of the Iron & Tusk, a two‑floor establishment located on the affluent Embassy Row. According to the piece, the restaurant’s design is “a deliberate nod to the roaring ‘20s, with its velvet‑lined walls, brass fixtures, and a large, copper‑sheathed grill that dominates the dining room.” The culinary team, headed by Chef Alexandre Dupont—a former executive sous‑chef at the Michelin‑starred L’Arpeggio in Paris—offers a “meat‑forward” menu that features a rotating selection of American, Argentine, and Japanese cuts. The star of the house menu is a dry‑aged 28‑day USDA Prime ribeye, cooked to a perfect medium‑rare and served with a truffle‑infused jus.

Chef Dupont explains that the restaurant’s philosophy is “to celebrate the natural flavors of the animal while showcasing the meticulous art of butchery.” He emphasizes that each cut is sourced from a “hand‑picked roster of farms that adhere to stringent animal welfare standards.” The article quotes Dupont saying, “We’re not about excess; we’re about respect for the animal and the craft that turns it into something extraordinary.”

Pricing, according to the author, is decidedly elite: a single steak plate can range from $200 to $350, depending on the cut and the wine pairing. A private dining room, available by invitation only, can accommodate up to 12 guests and includes a custom selection of truffle‑infused butter and a curated selection of rare vintages.

The Washington of Trump Loyalists

While the restaurant’s culinary credentials are impressive, the article’s real intrigue lies in its dual role as a private club for Trump loyalists. The club, named “The Washington Club” (link to the membership page is provided in the original article), is described as an “exclusive, invitation‑only organization that serves as a networking hub for the city’s most influential Trump supporters.” Its membership list reportedly includes former aides to President Trump, high‑profile real‑estate developers, venture‑capitalists, and a handful of senators and congressional staffers who are known for their vocal support of former President Donald J. Trump.

The club’s founding charter, cited in the article, claims to focus on “philanthropic initiatives, civic engagement, and the defense of conservative values.” However, critics argue that the real purpose is to facilitate the exchange of business and political favors. One anonymous source, quoted in the piece, described the club as “a private club that’s a gate to the big leagues for anyone who aligns with Trump’s brand.”

The article links to a 2024 investigative report by Politico that detailed a series of events where club members allegedly leveraged their positions to secure favorable zoning decisions for real‑estate developments. In addition, a link to a Washington Post op‑ed argues that such clubs undermine democratic transparency by creating “shadow corridors of influence.”

The Food, the Politics, the Culture

What makes the Iron & Tusk and the Washington Club a compelling study is the way they exemplify a broader trend of political dining clubs that have proliferated since the 2016 election. The article notes that similar establishments exist in New York, Los Angeles, and even in international capitals, where affluent supporters of a charismatic leader can meet over a steak and a glass of wine. In 2025, this phenomenon has reached a new level of institutionalization.

A segment of the piece is devoted to the history of the club’s founder, former presidential campaign consultant Daniel “Danny” Roth, who left the campaign in 2019 to open the restaurant and club. Roth’s background in media and fundraising gives him a unique insight into the needs of a political elite. The article quotes Roth at a private event, saying, “It’s about creating a safe space for like‑minded people to discuss ideas, form alliances, and keep the movement alive.” This mission, the author suggests, is both a strength and a weakness, as it fosters community but also entrenches exclusivity.

The restaurant’s menu is also a deliberate political statement. A recurring feature on the menu is a “Red‑State Ribeye,” a dish that’s meant to honor the conservative heartland that gave Trump his base. The dish’s name, as well as the menu’s color scheme, has sparked controversy in social media, with many accusing the restaurant of capitalizing on political polarization for profit.

Wider Implications

The article concludes by situating the Iron & Tusk and the Washington Club within the larger context of political club culture in the United States. It argues that such venues create “a new form of elite capitalism” where business, politics, and social status are intertwined. The club’s secrecy, coupled with its culinary opulence, serves to reinforce a sense of belonging among its members while simultaneously alienating those outside its circles.

The author references a link to an academic study by the University of Maryland’s Institute for Public Policy, which examined the influence of private clubs on policy outcomes. According to the study, members of the Washington Club have a statistically significant higher likelihood of securing appointments to advisory boards and receiving favorable media coverage, thereby reinforcing their political influence.

Final Thoughts

The Le Monde piece is more than a food review or a political gossip column; it’s a case study in how a steakhouse can evolve into a powerful nexus of influence. By intertwining premium gastronomy with a politically charged membership structure, the Iron & Tusk offers a new blueprint for how the elite might consolidate power behind the guise of culinary excellence. For readers, the article is a stark reminder that in the era of 2025, where political allegiance and socioeconomic status are increasingly intertwined, the line between a luxury dining experience and a political club is thinner than ever.