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PALM BEACH, Fla. — Early mornings see cars gathering to be checked by Secret Service personnel stationed under white canopies close to the perimeter of President-elect Donald Trump’s expansive estate in South Florida.
High-profile personalities, such as Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Tesla owner Elon Musk, frequently appear at various breakfast events, luncheons, and other social gatherings hosted at the lavish Mar-a-Lago club.
This past weekend, Mike Love, a founding member of the Beach Boys, entertained guests with the band’s most popular songs beneath an outdoor tent while Trump, accompanied by his Secret Service detail, mingled with those present, energetically enjoying the music as captured in videos shared online. Throughout the night, he was seen by the pool alongside his wife, Melania, swaying to the rhythm.
On social media, Trump proclaimed the resort as the “Center of the Universe,” stating that “Bill Gates asked to come tonight.” While representatives for both Trump and Gates did not confirm whether the Microsoft co-founder attended the event, Trump’s remark illustrates how Mar-a-Lago has transformed into a crucial hub for his political movement. The resort has gained immense popularity as a hotspot for those selected for positions in Trump’s administration, as well as for those looking to win favor with the incoming president.
Frequent appearances by various individuals at the club, commonly shared through online photos or occasional public gatherings, provide insight into the dynamics of Trump’s administration and his policy priorities as he prepares for office.
However, this increased prominence of Mar-a-Lago raises concerns over transparency, as many meetings happen behind closed doors, prompting questions about potential financial benefits for Trump when club members aiming to influence the new administration choose to dine and stay there.
“It’s somewhat surreal,” remarked James Fishback, an investor who has recently established an investment fund within the club’s tea room and enjoyed meals at its courtyard. “This is the power center.”
He recalled a moment spent at the pasta table talking with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Trump has appointed to lead the Health Department.
The winter months have further offered opportunities for Trump’s celebrations, attracting various notable personalities. A spokesperson for Zuckerberg verified that he had dinner with Trump the evening before Thanksgiving. A video from Christmas Eve showed Trump in one of the club’s ballrooms filled with guests, dancing to his favorite tune, the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.,” while his daughter Ivanka was seen seated on an ornate chair nearby.
On New Year’s Eve, the club hosted a lavish celebration that included Trump briefly speaking to the media near a red carpet. He made an appearance on stage to greet attendees, which included Mike Love and many of his appointees for Cabinet and other roles in his forthcoming administration.
Trump expressed optimism about 2025, declaring it would be a “great year” and emphasized that the nation would thrive.
During dinners with friends and family, Trump often utilizes his tablet to play the familiar songs that featured prominently at his campaign events. One notable guest of honor was Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Israeli Prime Minister, and on another occasion, Akie Abe, the widow of Japan’s slain Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. To everyone’s amusement, Argentine President Javier Milei was observed joining Trump in a lively dance to “Y.M.C.A.” during a gala dinner.
Daytimes often find Trump hitting the golf course nearby with friends, family, and allies, which includes South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham.
The overall atmosphere flits between the upscale social scene of South Florida and the workings of a high-stakes job fair for eager job seekers.
“He’s surrounded by many old acquaintances,” Graham noted. “Everyone I know seems interested in landing a position.”
Musk’s frequent presence at Mar-a-Lago has grown so notable that Trump’s granddaughter, Kai, humorously remarked on X about Musk earning “uncle status.” Trump has assigned Musk and biotech innovator Vivek Ramaswamy the task of heading an initiative aimed at enhancing government efficiency and finding ways to reduce the federal workforce and cut spending.
During a small December gathering attended by investors at the club, Kevin Roberts, president of the think tank steering Project 2025, spoke alongside health care executive Dr. Peter Lamelas, whom Trump later designated as the U.S. ambassador to Argentina.
Trump occasionally shares meals with various club members and guests under the awnings of the courtyard, while at other times, he engages with larger crowds during black-tie events in the ballrooms. At a recent gala for a charity organization led by Lt. Gen Michael Flynn, the moment derided with the iconic song “God Bless the U.S.A.,” heralded the president-elect’s arrival.
“We’re starting off strong,” Trump told attendees, subsequently inquiring about Tom Homan’s whereabouts, whom he has appointed as border czar, making light of Homan’s background by joking that he was from “central casting.”
“Relax, Tom,” Trump remarked. “Get ready for the big push.”
He shared insights with attendees about Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, whom he had warned of a 25% tariff on all imports unless measures were taken to reduce illegal border crossings and drug trafficking, noting that she had “made progress.”
At another gathering held at Mar-a-Lago, organized by the America First Policy Institute, many familiar figures from Trump’s circle were present, including Kellyanne Conway and Charlie Kirk, who welcomed guests adorned in tuxedos and gowns with copies of Trump’s latest book placed on their seats.
Upon entering the ballroom, Musk attracted much attention from guests, including Kash Patel, whom Trump later appointed to lead the FBI, before taking his place at the main table alongside Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.
“It’s the place to be and be seen,” said Damian Merlo, a political strategist advising the Salvadoran president, Nayib Bukele, who attended that event as well as another organized by the Conservative Political Action Committee.
At a recent press conference held at Mar-a-Lago, Trump noted the noticeable change in atmosphere compared to his first term, stating, “Everyone wants to be my friend.”
Aside from Zuckerberg, Trump has also welcomed other tech titans from Silicon Valley, such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
“The calls are coming in from top executives and bankers,” Trump remarked. “It’s a complete turnaround.”
This month, actor Russell Brand visited the club to speak at an event, where he was seated alongside Mel Gibson and Tucker Carlson, former Fox News host, among others. Later, he was seen on the lawn, listening to a bagpiper while standing next to a palm tree.
In a reflection of his time there, Brand later shared a video on X expressing his amazement. “Pretty incredible,” he noted. “Is this real life, or am I dreaming?”
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