Donald Trump, the man who just won back the White House, held a dinner at Mar-a-Lago where each guest had to cough up $1 million just for the privilege of sitting near him.

It was not some casual steak and wine night either. This was a high-roller political fundraiser organized by MAGA Inc., a super PAC that backs Trump. And among the deep-pocketed attendees was Elon Musk.

Yes, the Tesla and SpaceX billionaire, who spends half his time complaining about government regulations and the other half relying on government contracts, showed up for the pricey dinner. He was not alone either. He brought Shivon Zilis, an executive from his brain-implant company Neuralink, who also happens to be the mother of four of his 14 known kids.

His companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink, all rely heavily on government policies and contracts. His presence at an event like this raises eyebrows because of what it might imply. 

Was he just there for the shrimp cocktails, or was this about staying on Trump’s good side and ensuring that policy decisions remain favorable to his businesses?

Officially, Trump was just the special guest speaker and totally, absolutely not involved in asking for money. The event was not on his official schedule, which means no one really knows how much face time these million-dollar diners got with him.

But the concern is obvious. 

Paying big money for direct access to the most powerful man in the country sounds a whole lot like buying influence. When a dinner costs more than most people’s homes, the question is not whether these donors expect something in return. It is exactly what they are expecting.

All of this was happening while Trump’s administration was aggressively pushing forward mass deportations, despite a federal judge’s order to stop certain removal flights. His administration has argued that these deportations are essential to national security, but human rights groups and legal experts have challenged their legality, creating a heated legal and political battle.

Reports have surfaced of families being separated at airports as last-minute court orders failed to prevent removals. Immigration advocates warn that these policies are leaving children stranded in the U.S. while their parents are forcibly removed, leading to humanitarian concerns that are already sparking backlash among civil rights groups.

The contrast was stark. On one side of Florida, the ultra-wealthy were clinking glasses at a million-dollar dinner, securing exclusive access to power. 

On the other, working-class immigrants were being torn from their families, often with no clear path to reunification.

Adding to the intrigue, this type of high-dollar fundraising this early in a presidency is unusual. Most presidents at least pretend to focus on governing before jumping back into campaign mode. 

Trump, however, has barely settled back into the Oval Office and is already raking in checks from the ultra-rich. This is not just about raising money. It is about solidifying alliances with the wealthiest power players who want influence over the next four years.

At the same time, U.S. stock markets have not taken kindly to the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s economic policies. 

The S&P 500 recently fell 1.8%, while the Nasdaq has dropped nearly 9% from its December record high. Investors are reacting to uncertainty around new tariffs and potential regulatory shake-ups, fueling market volatility. Analysts have warned that Trump’s aggressive economic stance could trigger a deeper selloff if investor confidence continues to erode.

Meanwhile, Americans outside the lavish walls of Mar-a-Lago are watching the price of everyday goods continue to climb. 

The national average price for a dozen eggs has surged to $8.15, up more than 37% from last year. 

The cause? A devastating avian flu outbreak that has wiped out millions of birds, drastically reducing supply and sending wholesale prices soaring. 

Some grocery chains have started limiting egg purchases, and in lower-income communities, food pantries are struggling to keep up with demand as families search for affordable alternatives.

The situation has grown so dire that some Americans are now driving across the border into Mexico, where eggs are significantly cheaper. The surge in cross-border egg smuggling has led U.S. Customs and Border Protection to issue warnings and step up enforcement. 

Yet for struggling families, the risk of fines or confiscation is worth the savings when eggs that once cost $2 per dozen in the U.S. are now priced at over $8.

Coffee prices are also climbing, adding yet another strain on households. Climate change-related droughts in major coffee-producing regions like Brazil and Colombia have slashed global output, while supply chain disruptions and inflation have pushed up costs. 

A simple cup of coffee, once a cheap daily ritual, is now another rising expense that many are reconsidering. Small café owners are feeling the pressure too. Some are raising prices, while others are absorbing the losses, hoping the market stabilizes before they are forced to close.

Yet here were the elites, writing million-dollar checks for a seat at a table, sipping wine that costs more than an average family’s monthly grocery bill.

The public is taking notice. High-profile events like this widen the growing divide between political elites and everyday Americans. 

Such displays of wealth and access can exacerbate public distrust in the system, making everyday citizens feel increasingly disconnected from those in power. The perception of a government catering to the wealthy while ordinary citizens bear the brunt of economic hardship is fueling further discontent.

The whole thing reeks of pay-to-play politics. If you do not have a million dollars lying around, your chances of getting a private chat with Trump are slim to none.

This was not just a dinner. It was a power move, a money grab, and a reminder of who actually gets a seat at the table… 

It is not the average American, and it never has been.