Musk and famiy: Inside Trump’s star-studded election night at Mar-a-Lago

As the 2024 election results roll in, former President Donald Trump is hosting a high-profile election night gathering at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Among the notable guests is Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has become one of Trump’s staunchest supporters throughout the campaign. Musk’s close relationship with the former president has earned him a spot at an exclusive dinner with Trump and a select group of donors.

Musk’s pivotal role in Trump’s campaign

Musk, who publicly endorsed Trump in July after the attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania, has played a significant role in supporting Trump’s bid for a second term. He has invested over $119 million in a super PAC backing the former president, and his support extends beyond financial contributions. Musk has appeared at Trump rallies, even hosting his own events to energize voters in key swing states, including Pennsylvania. Musk’s involvement has been highly publicized, especially with the controversial $1 million daily giveaway organized by his PAC, designed to boost voter turnout in swing states. Despite legal challenges to the giveaway, which a judge allowed to continue, it wrapped up on Election Day.

Exclusive gatherings at Mar-a-Lago

Trump’s election night will be marked by a series of exclusive gatherings at Mar-a-Lago. Following his whirlwind final campaign stops, Trump will first host a small group of his donors for a private dinner, where Musk will be in attendance. Afterward, Trump will meet with an even smaller circle of close associates as they await the results. Later in the evening, Trump will address a larger crowd, including other financial backers, at the Palm Beach Convention Center.

The gathering promises to be an opulent affair, with Trump surrounded by his top allies, including Musk, whose presence further underscores the billionaire’s influential role in Trump’s campaign. It is a sharp contrast to the more modest gathering Harris will host at Howard University, where she will celebrate the night with her campaign staff, constituents, and running mate, Tim Walz.

Election night chaos at polling stations

While the high-profile gatherings unfold at Mar-a-Lago, issues at polling sites across the country are causing delays and frustration for voters. In Pennsylvania’s Cambria County, a software malfunction delayed voting, causing polls to remain open until 10 p.m. to accommodate affected voters. Voter lines were also seen stretching for blocks in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, and Smyrna, Georgia, where turnout has been high in key battleground states.

In Georgia, polling sites were briefly disrupted by bomb threats, which Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger attributed to Russian interference. However, these threats were deemed “non-credible” by the FBI. Additionally, some precincts in Cobb County, Georgia, had their hours extended after delays in opening. Despite these disruptions, election officials are working to ensure that all voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots.

As the candidates anxiously await results, the night is set to be a dramatic one, with the nation focused on the final outcomes in swing states that will ultimately decide the next president. Trump, Musk, and their allies remain confident as they prepare for the long wait ahead.