Trump's secret fundraiser with Musk raises ethical concerns

Donald Trump hosted a private dinner at his Mar-a-Lago resort over the weekend. The event featured billionaire Elon Musk and required guests to pay $1 million for a seat. Photos from the dinner show Trump mingling with attendees while Musk, dressed casually, posed for pictures. Ethics experts are raising concerns about the event, which they say mixes political fundraising with influence-buying. Musk and Trump reportedly discussed issues that could hint at their shared interests in policy. Don Moynihan, a professor at the University of Michigan, argued that such fundraisers risk normalizing a system where access is sold to wealthy donors. The gathering occurred during Palm Beach's motorsports festival, the Palm Event, which showcased luxury cars. Critics claim that this type of event illustrates Trump's unique method of maintaining ties with powerful figures after leaving office. Musk’s involvement in the dinner is noteworthy due to his federal contracts with companies like SpaceX and Neuralink. This raises questions about the potential impact of corporate influence on political decisions. Furthermore, the presence of Shivon Zilis, a Neuralink executive and Musk’s partner, adds another layer of complexity regarding personal and professional connections in high-profile networking situations.