Donald Trump crafted his response to a North Korean missile test in the crowded dining room of the Mar-a-Lago club, as waiters and diners looked on.
Mr Trump, who was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his Florida residence, did not leave his dinner table while he discussed a tactical response with advisers.
Other diners were reportedly able to listen in as they continued eating.
Because of the mood lighting, phone flashlights were reportedly used by the President’s team to read highly secure documents on North Korea - which had fired a powerful Musudan rocket into the Sea of Japan around an hour before.
Critics have said his unorthodox response left national security vulnerable to spies and surveillance.
Diners were apparently even able to take photos. One image posted to social media – showing controversial adviser Steve Bannon hovering behind Mr Trump – claims to capture the scene.
The photo, which has not been verified, shows Mr Trump apparently looking relaxed.
Despite the security sensitivities of such discussions, Mar-a-Lago club members remained at their tables and were able to fully observe the event, which they described to CNN.
They said even as the activity and personnel around the table increased, waiters continued to serve other diners.
Mr Trump’s response was quickly criticised. On Twitter, Chelsea Clinton said: “How many of Mar-a-Lago's new members will be (already are?) members of foreign intelligence agencies and media organisations?”
Others used the photo to contrast Mr Trump’s approach with the former President.
Many of the high paying club members – it costs $200,000 to be part of the Mar-a-Lago set – now apparently see their membership as a chance to mingle with the First Family.
