As former President Donald Trump prepares for another term in office, his deep connections to Palm Beach could significantly influence how he governs, according to sources close to the Trump family. In a series of exclusive interviews, PEOPLE learned that Trump may look to Mar-a-Lago, his iconic Palm Beach estate, as the central location for his official duties, potentially spending less time in Washington, D.C., during his upcoming presidency.
Mar-a-Lago as the Presidential Hub
Trump’s ties to Palm Beach go far beyond the acquisition of Mar-a-Lago in 1985. Long before he purchased the estate, the property’s original owner, cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, had envisioned it as a “Winter White House.” Post left the estate to the National Park Service with the hope it would serve as a governmental space. However, due to the high costs of upkeep, it was returned to private ownership, eventually falling into Trump’s hands.
Over the years, Trump has fully embraced the property’s potential as a center of political and personal influence. It seems clear now that Mar-a-Lago will play a key role in Trump’s second term.
“I think Trump will try to run the nation from Mar-a-Lago,” a political source told PEOPLE. “He has always wanted to do that. He is blissfully happy in Palm Beach.”
A New Working Relationship with Elon Musk
In the final weeks before his upcoming inauguration, Trump has been preparing for his presidency from Mar-a-Lago, with the help of a high-profile advisor: Elon Musk. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who is currently the richest person in the world, has taken on a key role in advising Trump on a range of issues, including his proposed Department of Government Efficiency.
Sources confirm that Musk has not only been providing guidance to Trump but is also living near Mar-a-Lago, making it easier for the two to work closely together. One Palm Beach source confirmed that Musk is staying in a cottage near the estate, with the arrangement reportedly receiving Trump’s approval.
“Musk is staying in a cottage very close to Mar-a-Lago, but he wouldn’t be coming and going so freely if he didn’t have Donald’s blessing,” the source shared.
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Musk’s proximity to Trump may also provide him with more direct influence over political decisions. However, some political insiders speculate that the dynamic between the two could change once Trump officially takes office again. The formalities of the White House and Musk’s demanding business responsibilities could pose logistical challenges, potentially affecting Musk’s access to the president.
When asked if Musk might have a more formalized role in the White House, such as an office within the building, a political source responded, “It certainly is possible.”
A Partnership with Room for Tension
For now, the partnership between Trump and Musk remains strong. Sources indicate that the two get along well, with Musk acting as a trusted adviser. However, any potential disagreements or changes in power dynamics could disrupt their relationship.
“As long as Elon is functioning as an adviser and helping Donald with what he wants him to help him with, he will be welcome,” the political source said. “But if it should become a shadow presidency, it will end. Donald asks questions and listens to all, but makes his own decisions for the most part.”
Despite this, sources suggest that Musk’s role remains supportive. He, like other Trump advisers, is expected to serve a specific function, providing expertise and guidance where needed, but without stepping into a leadership position within the administration.
Mar-a-Lago’s Role in Trump’s Governance
The possibility of Trump conducting official presidential duties from Mar-a-Lago is not just a matter of personal preference but also of political legacy. Mar-a-Lago has long been a place where Trump has held rallies, hosted key meetings, and met with business and political figures. If he follows through with the plan to base much of his presidency in Palm Beach, it would mark a significant shift in the traditional approach to governing, with fewer high-profile appearances in Washington, D.C.
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The move could also have an impact on how the public and lawmakers perceive Trump’s leadership. His strong ties to Palm Beach, coupled with the controversial nature of his time at the White House, could prompt increased scrutiny of his decisions and priorities, especially as his political rivals look to contrast their vision of governance with his.
A Political and Personal Headquarters
While Trump has not made any official statements about relocating his operations to Mar-a-Lago, sources close to the president-elect believe that the property’s status as both a personal and political hub could become a defining feature of his presidency. The estate’s sprawling grounds, luxurious setting, and proximity to key allies in Florida position it as an ideal base of operations, with the added bonus of Trump’s personal attachment to the area.
As Trump prepares to resume his role as president, it’s clear that Mar-a-Lago could play an increasingly prominent role in his political agenda. Whether or not this means spending less time in the nation’s capital remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that Palm Beach will continue to serve as a central point in Trump’s post-presidential trajectory.
Looking Ahead
As Trump’s second term approaches, the world will watch closely to see how his relationship with Musk and his reliance on Mar-a-Lago influence his presidency. For now, it seems that both Trump and his advisers are content with the current arrangement—one that places Palm Beach, Mar-a-Lago, and even Elon Musk at the heart of a new political chapter.
Whether this model of governance will evolve, and how it will be received by voters, remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Donald Trump’s deep connection to Palm Beach will continue to shape his political identity in the years ahead.
