Trump’s entourage in Washington: Elon Musk leads the president-elect’s triumphant return
President-elect Donald Trump made a triumphant return to Washington DC on Wednesday with a full entourage of loyal staffers and advisers in tow.
Billionaire Elon Musk, who has embraced the moniker “first buddy,” was part of the group that traveled with the president and has had significant influence in the transition process.
Trump’s most loyal and longest-serving aide, Dan Scavino, was also spotted with him, along with senior adviser Jason Miller, top aide Stephen Miller, so-called “human printer” Natalie Harp, adviser Boris Epshteyn and deputy campaign manager Justin Caporale.
Susie Wiles, Trump’s pick for chief of staff, also traveled with the president-elect and Rep. Matt Gaetz was another member of the group.
After Trump arrived, his transition team announced that Scavino would serve as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff, and Stephen Miller as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security.
From left, Susie Wiles, Jason Miller, Elon Musk, Stephen Miller, Boris Esphteyn, Natalie Harp and Dan Scavino, walk away from President-elect Donald Trump as he arrives,
Campaign adviser James Blair, who was not in Washington DC on Wednesday, was appointed assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs.
Taylor Budowich will serve as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel.
After arriving in Washington, Trump first visited House Republicans on Capitol Hill before heading to the White House to meet with President Joe Biden.
Musk was seen at Trump’s rally on Capitol Hill, but did not appear with the president-elect at the White House meeting with Biden in the Oval Office.
Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk walks on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., November 13, 2024.
White House Chief of Staff nominee Susie Wiles and U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) a
Jason Miller arrives with President-elect Donald Trump’s motorcade at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
Stephen Miller arrives with President-elect Donald Trump’s motorcade at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on November 13, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Biden greeted Trump in front of a roaring fire, congratulated him and said, “Welcome back.”
He added: “We will do everything we can to make sure you are sheltered and get what you need.”
Trump said, “Politics is tough and in many cases it’s not a beautiful world, but today it is a beautiful world.”
The meeting, which many feared would be difficult, appeared cordial.