President-elect Donald Trump claimed on Friday that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had asked to visit his Mar-a-Lago estate. The cryptic message on Truth Social has sparked speculation, with some wondering if it was intended for Elon Musk.
“Where are you? When are you coming to the ‘Center of the Universe,’ Mar-a-Lago. Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Year’s Eve is going to be AMAZING!!! DJT,” Trump posted.
The personal tone of the message—especially the line “We miss you and x!”—led some to believe it was directed at Musk, a close confidant of Trump during the transition period. The reference to “x” could also allude to Musk’s son, X Æ A-Xii, who has accompanied Musk to Capitol Hill and to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago watch party during the 2024 election night.
Gates’ team did not immediately confirm whether the billionaire had indeed requested to meet the president-elect. Similarly, Trump’s team did not clarify the meaning behind the post.
The enigmatic message is being compared to Trump’s infamous 2017 “covfefe” tweet, which read, “Despite the constant negative press covfefe.” That post, later deleted, left the internet guessing about whether it was a typo or deliberate. At the time, White House press secretary Sean Spicer cryptically remarked, “I think the President and a small group of people know exactly what he meant.”
Trump, 78, is known for hosting extravagant New Year’s Eve celebrations at Mar-a-Lago. His Truth Social post suggests that this year will be no different, with plans for another large-scale party on Tuesday night.
In the past, Gates and Trump have crossed paths, notably meeting in 2016 before Trump’s first term in office. Gates was also among those advocating for Trump’s reinstatement on Twitter in early 2021 after his account was suspended. “I think at some point he probably will be allowed back on and probably should be allowed back on,” Gates said in an interview with CNBC at the time.
As of now, the purpose of Gates’ potential visit—or whether Musk has been privately summoned—remains unclear.
