Battles from the Mar-a-Lago patio: How Trump’s staffing has already turned into a war

Even before Donald Trump officially secured his path to reelection, the buzz around his Mar-a-Lago estate began to swell. As early as Tuesday night, discussions about staffing a potential second term were already underway. What started as quiet conversations soon turned into full-fledged power struggles, with maneuvering for key positions spilling out onto the patio of Trump’s Palm Beach club.

On Wednesday evening, nearly every table in Mar-a-Lago was filled with eager potential appointees, all trying to secure their place in Trump’s administration. While many dined or mingled, the true drama was unfolding just a few steps away, near Trump’s preferred table, which was separated by a velvet rope. Those who had worked closely with him during his first term, along with several outside figures, all hoped for a shot at key roles.

Prominent figures seen at the club included Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr., former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and prominent allies like Tom Barrack, along with the two co-chairs of Trump’s transition team, Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon. As the evening wore on, Trump spent time sorting through names that Lutnick had already prepared in the months before the election. However, questions lingered about whether the president-elect would fully rely on Lutnick’s suggestions or make his own calls.

As Trump weighs his options, his loyalists have been working tirelessly to secure their spots. Many have made direct calls to one another, seeking to form alliances with fellow hopefuls. Some have even booked flights to Florida to ensure they get face time with Trump in the coming days as crucial decisions about staffing are set to unfold.

But the race for power is not without casualties. Several names have already been crossed off the list, as Trump moves closer to finalizing his picks. One prominent figure still under consideration for a top post is Rep. Elise Stefanik, who serves as the House Republican Conference chair. She is reportedly being considered for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, which could be a major coup for her career.

However, the chief of staff position—arguably the most pivotal role in any administration—has generated one of the most intense battles. In the end, Trump named his campaign manager, Susie Wiles, to the position, making her the first woman to hold the job. Wiles is widely praised for running what many considered Trump’s most disciplined campaign to date. Her victory in this high-stakes race was not easy, though. Initially, the contest had been between Wiles and Brooke Rollins, a former official in Trump’s first term and current head of the America First Policy Institute. Rollins ultimately bowed out of the race after it became clear that continuing her bid would lead to a power struggle with Wiles. Despite this, Rollins is expected to play a significant role in the administration moving forward.

The speed at which Trump made his decision on the chief of staff position stands in stark contrast to the more chaotic transition of 2016, when he waited until the weekend following the election to name Reince Priebus. With a second term on the horizon, Trump was urged to move quickly in order to establish a central authority figure to handle the day-to-day staffing decisions. And while many expected Trump to act swiftly, it is he himself who has been making the calls, reaching out directly to those he trusts for key positions.

For months leading up to the election, Trump floated several potential names for his administration, but his superstition prevented him from engaging in deeper discussions about staffing until after the election. As the president-elect begins the process of finalizing his team, sources close to him say he’s focused on rewarding those who stood by him during his recent political battles. However, he’s also made it clear that loyalty will not necessarily outweigh differing viewpoints when it comes to staffing his administration.

With just weeks to go before his second term begins, Trump’s Mar-a-Lago patio has become a battleground for influence, as key figures seek to secure their place in a potential new era of Trump governance. What is certain is that the stakes are higher than ever, with every decision carrying the weight of both political loyalty and strategic importance. And as the power struggles continue, Trump’s inner circle grows more complex, with alliances shifting as new players vie for influence. The true shape of his administration may not become clear until the final appointments are made, but one thing is for certain: the drama unfolding behind closed doors at Mar-a-Lago is only just beginning.