PALM BEACH, Florida – As the November 8, 2022, election night results rolled in to Mar-a-Lago, the resort membership club and primary residence of 45th U.S. President Donald J. Trump, he was uncharacteristically reserved in his comments and interactions with those in attendance.
With some polls closing as early as 7 p.m. Eastern time, including the swing state of Georgia, it became evident early on in the evening that the forecasted “red tsunami” was going to fall well short of predictions.
Known for his political savvy, Trump’s simple comment, “Interesting evening,” may have been alluding to the eventual election results.
Trump portrayed a relaxed demeanor, even though he had worked as hard as anybody during the election cycle. In the 2022 election cycle, the former president endorsed over 330 candidates, hosted 30 rallies over 17 states, hosted 50 in-person fundraisers, delivered remarks on over 60 telerallies and automated calls, raised nearly $300 million and spent $16.4 from his Make America Great Again Inc. Super PAC during the final five weeks leading up to the election, as detailed in a memorandum issued that day.
Trump’s Save America hosted the event, “Election Night at Mar-a-Lago,” in the Grand Ballroom that carries his name.
The opulent space was arranged so that the majority of the space was dedicated to Trump’s guests standing at cocktail tables or sitting at lower tables, covered with elegant tablecloths and rose bouquets in brass pots.
At the front of the room was a stage with 16 American flags from which Trump would speak at a podium, flanked on either side by eight television monitors.
A little less than half the space, with its camera risers, table-clothed banquet tables that served as work stations for about 40, provided exceptional accommodations for members of the media, especially in contrast to being outdoors, as anticipated, in light of the approaching tropical storm. Additionally, refreshments in the way of sandwiches and snacks as well as hot and cold beverages were available and refreshed throughout the evening.
Most members of the media returned to the designated press area in the ballroom around 4 p.m., after having to leave the premises following the equipment set-up and security sweep that started at noon.
Television monitors tuned at times to Fox News, CNN or both, aired pre poll-closing punditry largely ignored by contemporaries present from the latter outlet, as well as Newsmax, OANN, Right Side Broadcasting, ABC, CBS, Associated Press, Real America’s Voice and The Star News Network.
Trump made a brief appearance before the media at about 6:30 p.m., separated by the traditional red velvet rope. Over the course of about two minutes, Trump was peppered with questions by reporters crowded together, with their cell phone, professional and TV cameras running.
Regarding Florida Governor Ron DeSantis potentially running for president in 2024, Trump said he isn’t sure DeSantis would want to run, but that he likes him, voted for him and hopes he wins.
He offered words of praise for Florida’s U.S. Senator Rick Scott, who Trump said in the context of replacing Mitch McConnell as the Senate Republican leader, that Scott is a “very talented guy,” very underrated and did a good job raising a lot of money for the Senate.
“I know him well. He was a great governor,” added Trump.
To a final question as to who would be his vice president, Trump responded, “Oh, I’ll let you know very soon,” to chuckles from the group and a responding grin from Trump.
From that point on, guests trickled in until Trump made his next, grander entrance at about 10 p.m. to some cheers and applause.
As he headed toward the stage, Trump turned back toward the media with a quick comment, “Interesting evening.”
Trump took the stage in his customary manner, waving and smiling to those he passed along the way to intro music of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Trump spoke for a little over four minutes, talking about the election results and thanking the guests and media for being there.
“It’s a very exciting night. We have some races that are hot and heavy, and we’re watching them here,” said Trump.
The record at that point in the evening for general election endorsements, Trump reported, was 80 wins to 3 losses, which was, surprisingly, better than the Republican party nomination record of 224 wins out of 330 endorsements.
After a brief update on some of the races and talking about the bad weather at the rally the night before, Trump wrapped up with recognizing the guests and media in attendance.
“It is a great honor to have the media with us. We hope you enjoy yourself and this wonderful group of people,” Trump said, referring to his guests that he said weren’t the nicest people, but brilliant financially and very, very successful.
“They want what’s good for the country, that’s why they’re here,” added Trump.
“I want to thank you all for being here, and again, the media. Thank you all very much.”
After making his remarks, it appeared that Trump was going to be leaving the ballroom when he turned back toward the center of the room. He was out of sight for some time, leading some to believe he had left through a door other the main entrance, until he was observed sitting with about five others at a table in the front of the room where he alternated between talking, eating, and watching the TV directly in front of him until the media was directed to leave just before midnight.
Trump revealed that he will be making a big announcement, which most expect to be his intention to run to be the Republican nominee for president in 2024, at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, November 15.
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Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Star News Network, where she covers stories for The Tennessee Star.
