Another secretive Donald Trump fundraiser? Elon Musk attends million-dollar candlelight dinner that wasn't publicly disclosed; why was it left off his official schedule?

A lavish “candlelight” fundraiser at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort this past weekend drew scrutiny as guests were reportedly asked to pay $1 million per seat for access to the former president and billionaire Elon Musk. Photos and videos from the event show Trump mingling with attendees, while Musk—dressed in his signature black sport coat and T-shirt—posed for pictures and greeted guests alongside a woman believed to be Shivon Zilis, a Neuralink executive and mother to four of Musk’s children. Zilis, who wore a floor-length gown, previously served on OpenAI’s board and has been closely linked to Musk’s ventures.

The dinner raised eyebrows among ethics experts, who criticized the overt blending of political fundraising and private influence. Musk, whose recent project—dubbed the “Department of Government Efficiency”—has involved scrutinizing federal agencies, was seated next to Trump, sparking speculation about their discussions. Don Moynihan, a public policy professor at the University of Michigan, told WIRED that such events risk normalizing “pay-to-play” dynamics: “This isn’t just about fundraising—it’s about selling access. Donors paying millions expect something in return, whether policy favors or regulatory leniency.”

The gathering coincided with Palm Beach’s annual motorsports extravaganza, the Palm Event, which featured rare concept cars and celebrity-owned vehicles at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday. While Trump’s team framed the dinner as a “private social event,” critics argue it exemplifies his unorthodox approach to leveraging presidential connections post-office.

FAQs:

Why is Musk’s attendance significant?
Musk’s presence alongside Trump—amid his own ventures in federal contracts (e.g., SpaceX, Neuralink)—fuels concerns about corporate influence on political figures. Their partnership could signal overlapping interests in policy or regulation.

What’s the controversy over Shivon Zilis?
Zilis’ role as a Neuralink executive and mother to Musk’s children highlights questions about the blurring of personal and professional ties in high-stakes networking events involving powerful figures.