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The Trump presidency will return to Palm Beach County. Four things to plan for.

Pabio November 6, 2024

“This will truly be America’s golden age,” Trump promised Tuesday evening. It could also be a new golden age for Palm Beach County.

WEST PALM BEACH — The presidency is coming to the Palm Beaches.

Donald TrumpIraq’s landslide victory in the 2024 presidential election means Palm Beach County will return to the center of the political world. With it came the trappings of the world’s most powerful office – Air Force One parked at Palm Beach International Airport, presidential motorcades along Southern Boulevard and Mar-a-Lago serving as the “Winter White House.”

The first Trump presidential administration was a catalyst for the political and economic metamorphosis of Palm Beach County. His second term in the White House, scheduled to begin Jan. 20, will likely be more pronounced and unlikely to be any less brilliant or transformative.

Palm Beach County residents got a glimpse of the attention it will bring to the county Tuesday evening when thousands of supporters and a contingent of international media gathered at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach as Trump addressed the nation.

“This will truly be America’s golden age,” he said.

This could well be a new “golden age” for the county. Here are four things Palm Beach County can expect:

1. The transition will take place here

While a lot of what’s coming isn’t unexpected, there will be a few key differences. One is the so-called transition, the period of time between now and January during which Trump will hire and staff the White House, Cabinet and administration.

In 2016, this process was primarily headquartered at Trump Tower in Manhattan and at Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. This time around, the hub will likely be here in South Florida. Corey Lewandowski, Trump campaign advisor noted Tuesday evening that much of Trump’s political organization is housed locally and that “the transition team is going to operate here in Florida.”

That means you can expect a steady stream of visiting politicians and Republican Party officials in the coming weeks, as well as frequent hiring announcements and press conferences.

2. A Florida look at the second Trump administration?

Trump appointed various Floridians to key positions during his first term in the White House, including Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross of Palm Beach and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson of Palm Beach Gardens.

Other Floridians are widely expected to be offered positions in his new administration.

Last summer, there were comments that U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio might be a candidate for secretary of state. Before the election, there was speculation that federal judge Aileen Cannon, whom Trump had appointed to the bench and who had dismissed the classified documents indictment, could be considered for attorney general.

3. Increased security around Mar-a-Lago

Mar-a-Lago is in Palm Beach, and Palm Beach residents have become accustomed to road barricades and other security measures around the private club and Trump’s residence during 30 weekend visits and Trump’s vacation at his club.

Incoming and outgoing flights at PBIA have been diverted so that the flight path does not cross Mar-a-Lago. Other flight restrictions meant occasional sonic booms over the county were emitted by Air Force jets called in to chase away planes that encroached on restricted airspace. Additionally, a missile battery was stationed at a local airfield throughout his stays in Palm Beach County.

Residents can expect much tighter security this time around after two assassination attempts on Trump, including one in September at his West Palm Beach-area golf course, in the past four months .

Some of these measures have already been outlined.

The road adjacent to Mar-a-Lago was closed when Trump was in town. On Tuesday, the perimeter of the convention center was secured with steel fencing to restrict entry points.

4. Trump will get a mandate, but he won’t be a lame duck

The U.S. Constitution, as currently written, prevents Trump from seeking another term. He said during the 2024 contest that it would be his “final” bid for the White House.

However, Trump will remain the undisputed kingmaker of the Republican Party. Republicans seeking office, leverage or support for various initiatives will head to Mar-a-Lago to raise funds and support. Trump’s private club will become an even bigger magnet for the MAGA movement.

A decision looming soon: who will Trump support for the post of Republican majority leader in the US Senate? Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, who filed for reelection Tuesday, said he will seek the position.

Antonio Fins is political and economic editor at The Palm Beach Postwhich is part of the USA TODAY Florida network. You can reach him at [email protected]. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.