Inside the Secret Dinner at Mar-a-Lago Following U.S. Strikes on Yemen
On March 15, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted an exclusive dinner at his Mar-a-Lago estate, which was not publicly disclosed. The high-profile event came just hours after U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, aimed at the Houthi leadership, had resulted in casualties, including children.
Details of the Strikes
Earlier that day, the airstrikes led to the deaths of at least 53 individuals. Reports indicated that the targeting of the Houthis was a significant military operation sanctioned by senior administration officials.
A Lavish Gathering
The candlelight dinner saw guests pay a staggering $1 million each for a seat, and notable figures present included national security advisor Michael Waltz and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. A photograph later confirmed the presence of Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the event.
Leaked Communications
The events of the evening were complicated by the accidental exposure of sensitive communications. A group chat intended for discussing military operations titled “Houthi PC small group” mistakenly included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. This error allowed for the details of the group’s discussions to surface, revealing a pre-strike deliberation process regarding the airstrikes.
Concerns Raised
Within the group, Vice President JD Vance shared reservations about the wisdom of proceeding with the strikes, suggesting they could be a miscalculation. Nonetheless, Miller reportedly dismissed this concern, emphasizing that Trump had given a clear directive to go ahead with the attacks.
Echoes of Celebration
After the successful execution of the airstrikes, celebratory messages circulated within the chat. Waltz expressed approval of the operation, while other members, identified only by initials, echoed sentiments of success. Messages indicated that attendees felt proud of the planning and execution executed by the administration’s teams.
Celebrity Attendees
Trump’s flight to the dinner included entrepreneur Elon Musk and his young son, enhancing the intrigue surrounding the gathering. Throughout the weekend, Musk maintained communication with Trump and members of his staff, deepening the ties between high-profile figures in attendance and the administration’s military actions.
Conclusion
The combination of opulence, sensitive military discussions, and the unexpected inclusion of a media figure highlights the complexities and implications of decision-making at the highest levels of government. The accidental communication leak sheds light on the internal dynamics of the Trump administration as it engaged in serious military operations.