Elon Musk has made his mark in the world of politics, not just through his enormous financial contributions, but also by securing unparalleled access to President-elect Donald J. Trump. The billionaire tech mogul is not only the largest donor in Trump’s circle but also a key adviser on policy, personnel, and strategy. And now, it seems Musk’s proximity to Trump comes with an unexpected price tag—one that may involve both political influence and hefty rental fees.
Since Election Day, Musk has been staying in one of the unique houses at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s beautiful members-only team in Palm Beach, Florida. According to the review by the New York Times, the house, known as Banyan, has become a home away from home for Musk, placing him just a few hundred feet away from Trump’s primary residence. This setup has allowed He the kind of exposure that would make any social planner envious—dropping in on Trump’s meals, sitting in on delicate plan discussions, and yet accompanying the president-elect during calls with foreign leaders.
The cost of closeness
While Musk’s connection with Trump is plainly built on mutual advantage, the question arises—how little is Musk really paying to sit so close to the president-elect? The details surrounding Musk’s specific rental arrangements remain murky, despite NNYT sources suggesting that the cottage typically rents for at least$ 2, 000 per night. The Mar-a-Lago team does not generally costs guests until the close of their sits, leaving room for speculation. Given the enormous social weight that Musk carries, some insiders suggest that Trump may lower the fee or even avoid charging him completely.
Despite this doubt, it’s obvious that Musk is paying for more than just a place to stay. His constant presence at Mar-a-Lago has allowed him to influence Trump’s transition plans, speak at staff meetings, and even interview potential top management candidates. Musk has become a key figure in the Trump inner group, forging contacts that may aid in his political passions, beyond simply giving advice.
A private effect: Musk’s effect at Mar-a-Lago
Musk’s day at Mar-a-Lago has not been without its benefits. He has been known to make unique requests, such as having foods prepared outside of standard hours, and has even spent time at the house with his kids and their caregivers. Musk’s numerous interactions with Trump have been marked by a sense of brotherhood, with Musk attending important events like the vote night watch party and sharing dinners with high-profile figures, including Musk’s foe, Jeff Bezos.
Beyond the political and personal dynamics, Musk’s stay at Mar-a-Lago signals a deeper, more calculated relationship. As a for-profit entity, Mar-a-Lago represents a unique arrangement in which Musk, a savvy businessman, can interact with Trump while simultaneously securing access to the President-elect’s ear.
The price of influence
Musk’s access to Trump is not unique. Others have sought out favor like this through financial investments or exclusive memberships. Since taking office, Trump has frequently enjoyed knowing that those who are willing to pay for access can spend time with him, whether that means purchasing a membership in one of his clubs or renting event space at his hotels. However, Musk’s ability to remain on Mar-a-Lago without the typical logistical constraints that other people face is significant in contrast to the norm.
Some of Trump’s advisers have privately expressed concerns about Musk’s level of sway within the transition team. Musk’s frequent travels to Mar-a-Lago and his omnipresence in crucial decision-making situations have made him a powerful figure in the first few months of Trump’s new administration, igniting concerns about how much influence a billionaire with an interest in everything from space exploration to AI could have on the direction of U.S. policy.
Access in the West Wing?
It’s possible that Musk’s unrestricted access to the president will be curtailed once Trump is sworn in on January 20. The West Wing, with its heavy security protocols and tighter schedules, is not the same as Mar-a-Lago’s private estate. Given the breadth of personal and business relationships he continues to cultivate, Musk’s influence on the Trump administration is likely to continue to be significant.
Whether or not Musk continues to pay for access, one thing is clear—his time at Mar-a-Lago has cemented his position as a key player in Trump’s orbit. As Trump has often shown, when it comes to access, there’s always a price—and for Musk, that price may very well be in the millions
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