Trump, Elon Musk draw loud applause as they celebrate Venezuela strikes at Mar-a-Lago dinner

A video showed President Donald Trump leading through the dining room as Elon Musk followed, with diners cheering, applauding and filming the moment
PUBLISHED JAN 4, 2026
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk were seen together at Mar-a-Lago only hours after the United States launched military strikes against Venezuela (@nicksortor/X)
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk were seen together at Mar-a-Lago only hours after the United States launched military strikes against Venezuela (@nicksortor/X)


MAR-A-LAGO, FLORIDA: Just hours after the United States carried out strikes targeting sites linked to Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro regime, President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk were seen appearing together at Mar-a-Lago, where they received loud applause while walking through the dining room- a moment that quickly went viral online.

The appearance came as attention remained focused on the administration’s military action against Venezuela, making the timing of the joint public moment notable.

Viral post captures cheers and celebration 

Video circulating on social media shows Trump walking ahead through the dining area, with Musk nearby, as diners clap, cheer and raise their phones to record the moment.

Both men can be seen greeting people as they move through the room, with sustained applause following them.

The clip was widely shared on X via a post that read, “HELL YES! @ElonMusk and President Trump had dinner together at Mar-a-Lago tonight. And they received a HUGE applause walking through the dining room.”

The post framed the appearance as symbolic, adding that the two figures could form a “power team” if they work together.

The video itself does not show either Trump or Musk making remarks, but the reaction from the room, loud clapping and visible excitement, highlighted the attention their joint appearance generated.

Social media users reacted to the video, with many hoping for them to work together again.



Earlier, Elon had backed Trump over his Venezuelan military action saying “This is a win for the world and a clear message to evil dictators everywhere.”



The renewed Trump -Musk relationship

The joint appearance drew additional scrutiny, given the uneven history between Trump and Musk.

While the two have at times aligned publicly, their relationship has also seen notable friction.

In recent years, Musk openly criticised aspects of Trump’s approach to federal agencies and spending, and tensions flared during disputes involving the Justice Department and broader governance issues, leading to public back-and-forth between the two figures.

Donald Trump offers his hand to Elon Musk back stage during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds on October 05, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. This is the first time that Trump has returned to Butler since he was injured during an attempted assassination on July 13. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump offers his hand to Elon Musk back stage during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds on October 05, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Those disagreements, in sharp contrast with their joint appearance together, particularly at such a politically charged moment, stand out.

The Mar-a-Lago dinner, marked by applause and visible warmth, suggested a shift in tone, even as questions remain about whether the moment signals deeper coordination or simply a temporary convergence following a major foreign policy development.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Javier Bardem spoke against war, saying 'no to this illegal war,' while others warned the world is in a 'very precarious' place
3 hours ago
Hannah Einbinde, Tunisian producer Nadim Cheikhrouha, Elizabeth Woodward, and Arab-Israeli actor Amer Hlehel were also seen wearing the pin
4 hours ago
Motaz Malhees said one can 'block a passport' but not his voice, adding he is Palestinian and stands with pride and dignity
5 hours ago
The donation appeared as the top contribution on a fundraiser created by Klinner’s sister-in-law, which has raised hundreds of thousands for his family
22 hours ago
At a White House ceremony, Trump posthumously recognized Michael H Ollis’ bravery, honoring the soldier who saved a fellow servicemember
1 day ago
20-year-old Declan Coady was one of six American soldiers killed during a recent strike on a Kuwaiti port.
1 day ago
The 33,000-sq-ft Sherman Park facility would replace temporary screening areas and improve the experience for White House visitors
1 day ago
Warren called out the 2010 merger between Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which created a dominant player in the live entertainment industry.
1 day ago
Major Alex Klinner was one of six killed after his refueling tanker crashed during Operation Epic Fury.
1 day ago
Iranian authorities arrested Joe Bennett's parents in January 2025 and sentenced them to 10 years behind bars on suspicion of spying
1 day ago