Over the weekend, President-elect Donald Trump was spotted zipping around his West Palm Beach club on a golf cart with none other than Elon Musk.
The two stopped frequently as Trump introduced Musk to Mar-a-Lago members, even visiting the club’s gift shop to browse hats. Later, they dined alfresco with Melania Trump, drawing applause and eager stares from onlookers.
High-Profile Figures Stream Through Mar-a-Lago Amid Transition
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate wasn’t just buzzing with Musk’s visit. Howard Lutnick, co-chair of Trump’s transition team, was seen in the lobby with a stack of documents, likely related to the impending government transition. Lutnick later joined Trump and his granddaughter Kai for lunch. Meanwhile, incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles was spotted coming and going from VIP meeting rooms, some shrouded in curtains to maintain privacy for critical transition discussions.
Familiar and New Faces Gather as Trump Crafts His Administration
Honorary transition co-chairs Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard mingled with club members, posing for photos. This transition differs from Trump’s previous one in 2016 when meetings were held more publicly at Trump Tower.
This time, discussions are discreet, with social media and insider conversations offering glimpses into the action. Transition meetings, described by insiders as a “startup culture,” emphasize creativity and openness, drawing on expertise from business leaders, influencers, and loyalist insiders.
Trump’s Power Circles Expand Beyond Traditional Advisors
Unlike in 2016, Trump’s current transition team is less reliant on Washington insiders, instead gathering figures like conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, billionaire Elon Musk, and Kennedy Jr. in his advisory circle. The Mar-a-Lago meetings feature an evolving roster of influential figures and conservative voices aligned with Trump’s political goals, with input also coming from longtime allies like his son, Donald Trump Jr.
Musk’s Influence and Role in Trump’s New Circle
Elon Musk’s influence is already evident. After investing $120 million into Trump’s campaign, Musk has actively participated in transition discussions, offering his opinions on key cabinet appointments. Joining other influential figures, Musk’s role in shaping Trump’s next administration underscores a shift towards unconventional but high-profile advisers.
Trump’s Vision for Cabinet and White House Takes Shape
Already, key roles like chief of staff, EPA administrator, and border czar have been filled, with more high-profile announcements expected soon. Figures like Kennedy Jr. are poised to play significant roles in health policy, while others, including Kirk and Wiles, have ascended in influence. Trump Jr. remains a gatekeeper, reportedly influencing personnel choices to ensure loyalty to his father’s agenda.
Susie Wiles Emerges as a Major Power Broker in Trump’s Inner Circle
Susie Wiles, who managed Trump’s recent campaign and guided him back into the political arena, is regarded as the top decision-maker in staffing for the White House. According to insiders, Wiles will oversee the hiring of White House staff and wield significant influence over cabinet appointments, mirroring her pivotal role in Trump’s campaign success.
