Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida has once again become the “Winter White House” and a hotspot for political hopefuls, as the president-elect starts to form his new administration behind its lavish walls. Though President Joe Biden remains in office until January, this part of Florida has emerged as a rival political hub.
Just two years after the FBI discovered classified documents, including information on U.S. nuclear weapons and spy satellites, stored in a Mar-a-Lago bathroom, a diverse mix of insiders now flock to the estate. Security is tight, with robot dogs patrolling the grounds and armed guards stationed on nearby boats. For those unable to secure a coveted invitation to Mar-a-Lago itself, nearby hotels and restaurants in West Palm Beach are packed with office-seekers vying for roles in Trump’s administration and supporters celebrating his victory.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic and member of the famed Kennedy dynasty, was spotted at the luxurious Ben hotel, where he’s part of the transition team and is angling for a health policy role. Alongside him was Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman turned Republican, who acknowledged that the transition team will face ideological battles.
Notable figures like North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum rumoured for the energy secretary position, and former Defense Department Chief of Staff Kash Patel, were seen during the election night. Even Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has been regularly seen with Trump during family dinners and calls with world leaders. Musk has also been spotted at Mar-a-Lago and the nearby Palm Beach International Airport as he travels back and forth to be by Trump’s side.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a controversial Georgia congresswoman, is believed to be seeking a cabinet position. At The Breakers Hotel, UFC CEO Dana White, a close friend of Trump, made a celebrity appearance but stated he has no political ambitions. Others, however, are not so disinterested. According to one GOP insider, the transition process is a “free for all,” with various factions vying for power. Still, some prominent Republicans, like Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, have declined potential roles, preferring to stay in Congress.
Trump’s focus this time is on loyalty. His son, Don Jr., emphasized that they are seeking people who won’t claim to know better than his father. The president-elect himself has expressed regret over hiring “bad or disloyal people” during his first term. In contrast to 2016’s chaotic transition—famously played out in front of cameras at Trump Tower—this transition is more behind-the-scenes, though still unconventional.
Trump’s first appointment, Florida political strategist Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, suggests a strong Florida-based conservative operation might dominate his new administration. Slater Bayliss, a co-founder of a Florida lobbying firm, called Wiles the “Iron Lady of American electoral politics.” He expects many political talents from Florida to join Trump’s team, which would mark a shift for a state that has historically been sidelined in national leadership.
There’s growing anticipation that Floridian politicians like Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio could play prominent roles in Trump’s new government. Joe Gruters, a loyal Trump supporter and former co-chair of Trump’s 2016 Florida campaign, believes Wiles and her team will bring their trusted aides to Washington. He is confident the administration already has a clear idea of who will fill key positions.
Palm Beach, which once resisted Trump’s presence, now fully embraces his brand, with “MAGA” merchandise commonplace. Next week, Argentina’s President Javier Milei is set to meet with Trump and Elon Musk at Mar-a-Lago. CPAC (the Conservative Political Action Conference) will also host its annual summit at the estate, with tickets fetching up to $25,000.
Even after Trump’s inauguration, Mar-a-Lago is expected to remain a central part of his presidency. Slater Bayliss predicts that Trump will spend significant time in Florida, making Mar-a-Lago “the most sacred real estate in the political universe.”