President-elect Donald Trump’s burgeoning friendship with tech magnate Elon Musk has become a focal point at Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach, Florida. While some members of Trump’s inner circle reportedly feel sidelined by Musk’s increasing presence, incoming First Lady Melania Trump appears to appreciate the Tesla CEO’s frequent visits.
Musk, 53, has been a regular at Mar-a-Lago since Trump’s election victory, participating in high-level discussions and social gatherings. He has been involved in calls with foreign leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and has attended national security meetings. Additionally, Musk has provided input on potential administrative appointments.
This close association has reportedly caused unease among some of Trump’s longstanding advisors. A source familiar with the situation noted, “He’s always with Elon. It’s 24/7. Trump’s inner circle is getting smaller. He has dumped some others.”
Despite the shifting dynamics, Melania Trump reportedly supports Musk’s involvement. A source stated, “Melania likes Elon,” adding that her presence at Mar-a-Lago has increased since Musk’s frequent visits.
The camaraderie between Trump and Musk extends beyond official matters. Musk and his four-year-old son, X, attended Trump’s election night celebration at Mar-a-Lago. A family photo from the event featured Musk alongside the Trump family, highlighting his integration into their social circle.
Trump has publicly acknowledged Musk’s contributions, joking during a recent address to House Republicans, “Elon won’t go home. I can’t get rid of him — at least until I don’t like him.”
In recognition of Musk’s expertise, Trump has appointed him to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. This initiative aims to streamline federal operations and reduce government expenditures.
While some advisors may feel “iced out” by Musk’s prominent role, others within Trump’s circle view his involvement as a strategic advantage. Another spokesperson, Anna Kelly, described Elon Musk as a highly-skilled innovator and a historical figure who created modern, efficient systems. Kelly noted Musk’s commitment to America’s future, emphasizing his decision to collaborate with President Trump to improve government efficiency and ensure effective use of taxpayer funds.
As Trump prepares to assume office, the evolving dynamics at Mar-a-Lago reflect the administration’s focus on integrating private sector expertise into government operations. Musk’s active participation underscores a collaborative approach to address national challenges through innovative solutions.
