Since his election in November, Donald Trump has transformed his Mar-a-Lago, Florida, residence into a nerve center of power. Both a private residence and a very select club with an annual entry fee reaching one million dollars, this place has become the scene of influential meetings between major economic, political and media figures.
During a press conference on Monday, the president-elect of the United States expressed with satisfaction what he considers to be a major turning point in his relationship with the elites. “During my first term, everyone was fighting against me. For this term, everyone wants to be my friend,” he said, highlighting the contrast with his first stint in the White House, marked by incessant criticism and relative isolation.
The big names in tech and finance parade
Indeed, since his victory, Donald Trump has welcomed major figures from the economy and tech. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, shared a dinner with him. Sundar Pichai (Google) and Tim Cook (Apple) are also among its recent visitors, and Jeff Bezos (Amazon) is expected in the coming days. “We have a lot of big bosses, the biggest bankers, everyone is calling,” rejoiced Donald Trump, who sees this influx as a late but significant recognition.
Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, also came to Mar-a-Lago, and Donald Trump was invited to ring the bell marking the opening of trading on Wall Street. This mobilization of economic elites reflects their desire to position themselves in the face of a presidency which promises to be more structured and determined than in 2016.
A more methodical and offensive president-elect
Experts, like Wendy Schiller, professor of political science at Brown University, believe that Donald Trump is now better prepared to exercise power. “He has made it known that he will use all the powers attached to the presidency to attack anyone who challenges him,” she analyzes, adding that the Supreme Court grants him enhanced immunity as long as he occupies the House -White. Unlike his first term, this presidency could be marked by an offensive strategy, particularly towards his economic, political and media adversaries.
Mar-a-Lago has also become a diplomatic hub. Allied figures, such as Viktor Orban, Hungarian Prime Minister, or Javier Milei, Argentine President, were received there. But more reserved leaders, such as Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister, or Mark Rutte, new Secretary General of NATO, also went there. These visits reflect apprehension and anticipation of the future decisions of the elected president, whose international positions remain unpredictable. Telephone exchanges also took place, notably with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Tense but strategic relations with the media
Despite his repeated criticism of the press, which he regularly describes as “enemies of the people”, Donald Trump continues to play a complex game with the media. Two figures from MSNBC, a channel that is nevertheless critical of him, recently went to Mar-a-Lago, highlighting the tension and apprehension of the sector in the face of an elected president who does not hesitate to use his influence against them.
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Donald Trump is also continuing his legal battles with vigor. He recently filed suit against an Iowa newspaper for publishing an unfavorable poll before the election, and won a $15 million settlement from ABC over a defamation claim. Now the famous show 60 Minutes from CBS is also in its crosshairs.
