Private jets and billionaires competing to land at Palm Beach airport for dinner with US President Trump
In the wake of President Trump’s incredible political comeback and victory, billionaires and tech titans are flocking to Palm Beach, eager for an audience with the newly reinstated leader. The private airport near Mar-a-Lago has become the scene of a high-stakes competition, with private jets crowding its runways as power players vie for face time and influence.
Among the notable visitors is Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who reportedly visited Mar-a-Lago the night before Thanksgiving to ensure his priorities align with the new White House agenda. Japanese billionaire Masayoshi Son, President of SoftBank, also met with Trump during this period, pledging a $100 billion investment in the U.S. over the next four years. Trump, never shy about negotiation, pushed Son to double that figure to $200 billion. Even Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, despite previous tensions, made an appearance, contributing $1 million toward President Trump’s inauguration festivities.
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman is another notable figure in the mix. While engaged in a legal battle with Trump’s new right-hand man, Elon Musk, Altman has committed to make a $1 million personal donation to President Elect Trump inauguration, an OpenAI spokesperson confirmed to Fortune. “President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead,” Altman said in a statement.
A new economic game plan
The message from these visits is clear: with Trump back in the White House, an enormous shift in economic and regulatory policy is coming to Washington. Tech deregulation is expected to top the agenda, creating a favorable environment for investments in AI, robotics, semiconductor manufacturing, and chip design. The new leadership at the SEC is likely to roll back many of the checks and balances intended to temper Wall Street’s speculative appetite, leading to a period of unregulated market enthusiasm.
The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework, which has been a thorn in the side of many corporations, is likely to be scrapped altogether. Trump’s economic playbook also includes imposing tariffs as high as 50% to protect U.S. industries and compel international corporations to relocate their operations stateside.
Turbocharging US economic growth
The anticipated economic boom is already showing early signs. Interest rates are on a downward trajectory, with a new rate cut announced this week, signaling a move toward low borrowing costs that will fuel further investment. Wall Street, primed for a period of exuberant growth, is ready to capitalize on the relaxed regulatory landscape.
Tech investments, in particular, are expected to surge as capital shifts away from the weakening European markets. With France and Germany both embroiled in political crises and uncertainty surrounding their leadership, the U.S. is emerging as the premier destination for global investors and for capital re-allocation. The energy sector, too, is poised for significant gains. Already the world’s largest oil producer with 13.2 mbd produced in December 2024 (IAE), the U.S. will see continued deregulation and renewed fracking investments, potentially signaling an exit from the restrictive Paris Climate Agreement.
A new era for entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs and investors, the writing on the wall is clear: the U.S. is once again the land of opportunity. As capital pours in and regulations ease, those with the vision to seize this moment stand to benefit immensely. Entrepreneurs in tech, energy, and manufacturing sectors are already gearing up to ride the wave of growth.
The Palm Beach private airport may be crowded for now, but the real runway is America’s economic future — and it’s wide open for takeoff. With billionaires competing for influence and businesses adjusting their strategies to fit the new US political agenda, the next four years promise to be transformative for the U.S. economy.
Preliminary list of Trump 2.0 inauguration donors
The excitement surrounding Trump’s return has also sparked a flood of donations to his inauguration fund. Here’s a preliminary list of notable contributors (fortune.com):
- Meta: donated $1 million
- Amazon: plans to donate $1 million
- Sam Altman: plans to make a $1 million personal donation
- Perplexity: plans to donate $1 million
- Uber and Dara Khosrowshahi: donated $1 million each
- Ken Griffin: plans to donate $1 million
- Bank of America: plans to donate an undisclosed amount
- Goldman Sachs: plans to donate an undisclosed amount
- Robinhood: donated $2 million
Final thoughts
President Trump’s return to power has created a whirlwind of activity, and the high-stakes competition to meet with him underscores the importance of his influence on the global stage. From tech moguls like Mark Zuckerberg to international investors like Masayoshi Son, the world’s elite are betting on America’s resurgence.
The implications are clear: a pro-business administration, focused on deregulation and growth, has positioned the U.S. as a magnet for global investment. Entrepreneurs, it’s time to move to the U.S. The opportunities are immense, and the runway is clear for those ready to take off.