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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 exclusive cottages at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s luxurious members-only club in Palm Beach, Florida. According to the report by the New York Times, the cottage, known as Banyan, has become a home away from home for Musk, placing him just a few hundred feet away from Trump’s main residence. This setup has allowed Musk the kind of access that would make any political strategist envious—dropping in on Trump’s dinners, sitting in on sensitive policy discussions, and even accompanying the president-elect during calls with foreign leaders.
The cost of proximity
While Musk’s relationship with Trump is clearly built on mutual benefit, the question arises—how much is Musk actually paying to stay so close to the president-elect? NYT sources indicate that the cottage Musk occupies typically rents for at least $2,000 a night, though the details surrounding his specific rental arrangements remain murky. The Mar-a-Lago club does not typically bill guests until the end of their stays, leaving room for speculation. Some insiders suggest that Trump might reduce the fee or even forgo charging Musk altogether, given the immense political weight Musk carries.
Despite this uncertainty, it’s clear that Musk is paying for more than just a place to stay. His continuous presence at Mar-a-Lago has allowed him to shape Trump’s transition plans, participating in personnel meetings and even vetting potential senior administration candidates. Musk’s influence extends beyond just advice—he has become a key figure in the Trump inner circle, forging connections that could help drive his political ambitions.
A personal touch: Musk’s influence at Mar-a-Lago
Musk’s time at Mar-a-Lago has not been without its perks. He has been known to make special requests, such as meals prepared outside of regular hours, and even spent time with his children and their nannies at the property. Musk’s frequent interactions with Trump have been marked by a sense of camaraderie, with Musk attending key events like the election night watch party and sharing dinners with high-profile figures, including Musk’s rival, 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 similar favor through financial investments or exclusive memberships. Since taking office, Trump has often enjoyed knowing that people willing to pay for access can secure time with him—whether that means purchasing a membership to his clubs or renting event spaces at his hotels. However, Musk’s ability to stay on the grounds of Mar-a-Lago without the usual logistical barriers faced by others is a significant departure from the norm.
Some of Trump’s advisers have privately expressed concerns about Musk’s level of influence within the transition team. Musk’s regular visits to Mar-a-Lago and his omnipresence in key decision-making moments have made him a powerful figure in the early days of Trump’s new administration, sparking whispers about how much influence a billionaire with an interest in everything from space exploration to AI could exert on the direction of U.S. policy.
Access in the West Wing?
Once Trump is sworn in on January 20, it’s likely that Musk’s unrestricted access to the president will be curtailed. The West Wing, with its heavy security protocols and tighter schedules, is not the same as Mar-a-Lago’s private estate. However, Musk’s role in shaping the Trump administration is likely to remain significant, especially given the vast web of personal and business relationships he continues to nurture.
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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