Foreign leaders, Hollywood stars and heavyweights in U.S. politics interacted with rumored new Cabinet nominees for President-elect Donald Trump's second administration. black tie mar-a-lago gala on Thursday night.
The star-studded group held court nine days after Trump's landslide defeat of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the election, basking in the glow of a Republican victory and seizing the opportunity to catch the attention of the soon-to-be 47th president. I was watching.
While the rally was a business opportunity for some, the resort also hosted some of the movement's favorite stars, including Kellyanne Conway, the architect of President Trump's upset election victory over Hillary Clinton in 2016. MAGA fans were welcomed from all over the world to meet and greet the stars.
Mr Conway, 57, was at one point so fascinated that he put his hand over his heart as he watched the glamorous scene.
President Trump, 78, was also in a good mood, dancing for the crowd and announcing his new administration from the podium during remarks at an America First Policy Institute event: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.
“He's going to be Secretary of the Interior, and he's going to be a great person,” the president-elect said. “We're trying to do something incredible with the energy and the land and the interior.”
The extravaganza continued into the night as attendees warmly greeted the Cabinet nominees, stopping to take selfies and good humor at the Grand Ballroom at the West Palm Beach, Florida, resort town. Ta.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and one of his predecessors, Newt Gingrich, who has become a close confidant, both flew in with their wives for the event.
Gingrich was pulled aside at one point to speak with Robert Lighthizer, who is rumored to be the next U.S. trade representative and had already served in the same role during President Trump's first term.
Meanwhile, Argentina's President Javier Millay stood shoulder-to-shoulder with self-proclaimed “dark MAGA” leader and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the new co-secretary of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and a smiling, thumbs-up Trump. Ta. In pairs.
Also on hand were Buenos Aires's Foreign Minister Gerardo Vertein and Javier's sister, Presidential Secretary-General Karina Mirei.
Miley was one of the lucky few who was able to pull Trump aside for a private conversation. Since the Argentine startup was selected in November 2023, the two have warmly embraced in private meetings.
President Trump joked in a speech to his South American counterpart that he would “make Argentina great again.” “He’s a MAGA guy.”
Musk remained inseparable with the former president during the nomination process, but only briefly returned to his native Texas.
“What a great job he's doing and he just happens to be a really good person,” Trump said of the South African-born Musk in his speech. “He likes this place. You can't take him out of here. He just likes this place. And you know what? I like him here too. .”
The billionaire was then seen huddled with WWE founder Linda McMahon, who served as President Trump's small business administrator during his first term and was instrumental in vetting the second round of candidates.
Mr. Musk's DOGE co-head Vivek Ramaswamy was also seen rubbing elbows with former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom, and both men are helping the U.S. to encourage an increasingly hostile Chinese Communist Party. has been outspoken about his actions.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Tulsi Gabbard, the nominee for Director of National Intelligence, also smiled for photos days after President Trump approached them about joining the incoming administration.
They were seated at a table with RFK Jr., his actress wife Cheryl Hines, and his campaign manager and daughter-in-law Amaryllis Fox.
Ms. Hines was all smiles when she entered with her husband, despite her recent sordid affair with former New York magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi.
The Kennedy heir briefly spoke with attorney general candidate Matt Gaetz and his wife, Ginger, whom he married in August 2021.
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr., two of Kennedy and Gabbard's biggest supporters in the administration, posed for a group photo in a corner of the room.
“Rocky” actor Sylvester Stallone made a surprise appearance and grabbed President Trump's right hand with both of his hands as he paid tribute to him on the main stage.
Mr. Stallone likened Mr. Trump to a “second George Washington” and told the crowd, “We are truly in the presence of a mythical figure.”
“I'm in awe because no one else in the world has done what he did,” the “Rambo: First Blood” star said.
Of the 15 traditional cabinet positions, Trump has already chosen six, with South Dakota's Kristi Noem chosen to be the next secretary of homeland security and Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio the next state secretary. Fox News personality Pete Hegseth has been nominated to be the next Secretary of Homeland Security. Department of Defense.
He reportedly shortlisted candidates for the next Treasury secretary, including Scott Bessent, founder of investment advisory firm Key Square Group, and his campaign co-chairman and chief executive officer of Cantor Fitzgerald. (CEO) Howard Lutnick.
The former reportedly met with President Trump on Friday to interview for the position, but the latter did not leave Trump's side the entire evening before.
