Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is reportedly staying in a cottage on Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. According to The New York Times, Musk has taken up residence in Banyan Cottage, a rental property located just a few hundred feet from the main house. Trump has allegedly boasted about Musk’s stay, highlighting the proximity of the world’s richest man to the president-elect’s inner circle.
The cottage, previously rented by notable figures such as former House Speaker John Boehner, has reportedly been leased for at least $2,000 per night in the past. Musk is said to have moved into the property around election day and was photographed alongside Trump’s family as votes were counted.
Musk’s presence at Mar-a-Lago has allowed him to participate in exclusive dinners, including one with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. His involvement with Trump extends beyond social gatherings. Musk contributed over $250 million to Trump’s campaign and leveraged his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to bolster voter turnout. This significant support earned Musk an advisory role in the incoming administration and the title of co-chairman of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency.
In his role, Musk has proposed sweeping changes, including firing hundreds of thousands of civil servants and closing federal agencies to reduce government spending. These proposals have garnered support from centrist and left-leaning figures like Senators John Fetterman and Bernie Sanders.
Musk’s influence within Trump’s team has reportedly extended to the transition process, where employees from Musk’s companies have been involved in vetting candidates for key administrative positions. He has also attended private meetings at Mar-a-Lago, participated in phone calls with international leaders like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and spent considerable time with Trump in his private office.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, appeared to privately invite Musk to a New Year’s Eve celebration at Mar-a-Lago, expressing anticipation for his return. The post also mentioned Microsoft founder Bill Gates as a prospective guest.
Beyond domestic politics, Musk has made waves in international affairs. He has criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s economic policies and endorsed Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in an opinion piece. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rebuked Musk in his New Year’s Eve address, emphasizing that Germany’s future will be determined by its citizens, not social media moguls.
Musk’s activities have sparked widespread attention, with his influence reaching far beyond the tech world, making him a pivotal figure in both national and international political landscapes.
