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 Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos attend the opening night of "Sunset BLVD" at St James Theater on October 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)© Bruce Glikas

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez meet with Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago

This visit follows Bezos' announcement of a $1 million donation to Trump's inauguration fund


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
DECEMBER 19, 2024 10:46 AM EST

Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos has joined the ranks of prominent tech billionaires visiting Donald Trump at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago. Accompanied by his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, Bezos was spotted entering the estate on Wednesday night for a dinner with the president-elect. 

A video of their arrival circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention. This visit follows Bezos' announcement of a $1 million donation to Trump's inauguration fund, marking a significant gesture from one of the world's most influential business magnates. Bezos' support aligns with contributions from other tech industry leaders who have pledged their resources to the incoming administration. 

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 In addition to his financial backing, Bezos publicly congratulated Trump on his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. In a rare post on X (formerly Twitter), Bezos acknowledged Trump's "extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory," extending his well wishes for Trump's efforts to unite the nation. 

 "Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback," Bezos wrote. "Wishing all success in leading and uniting the America we all love." Given his extensive business ties with the U.S. government, Bezos's interest in fostering a relationship with the new administration is evident.

President Donald Trump speaks with Satya Nadella, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, and Jeff Bezos, Chief Executive Officer of Amazon during an American Technology Council roundtable in the State Dinning Room at the White House in Washington, DC on Monday, June 19, 2017. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)© The Washington Post
President Donald Trump speaks with Satya Nadella, Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, and Jeff Bezos, Chief Executive Officer of Amazon during an American Technology Council roundtable in the State Dinning Room at the White House in Washington, DC on Monday, June 19, 2017. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

As part of its collaboration with Trump's team, Amazon will stream the president-elect's January 20 inauguration on its Prime Video service.

Jeff Bezos' leadership principles

Lauren Sanchez gave her Instagram followers a glimpse into the billionaire's leadership wisdom. Bezos explained his approach to leading effectively, breaking it down into three essential principles. "Big leaders only have to do a few things," Bezos said during a conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin at the "New York Times DealBook" Summit. 

"Big leaders have to identify the big ideas. They have to enforce tough execution against those big ideas, and they need to grow the next generation of leaders. That's really it. Big leaders, only have to do." 

LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON -- Episode 736 -- Pictured: Jeff Bezos arrives on November 15, 2012 -- (Photo by: Lloyd Bishop/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)© NBC
LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON -- Episode 736 -- Pictured: Jeff Bezos arrives on November 15, 2012 -- (Photo by: Lloyd Bishop/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)

Sanchez praised Bezos' ability to simplify strategies, captioning the video: "People ask me about advice from Jeff all the time. Well, he shared a bunch of great tips with @Sorkinsays at @NYTDealbook. Love this one about leadership. He's always inspiring me to think bigger."

 Lauren Sanchez's son will attend college with a Trump family member

Lauren Sanchez revealed where her kids will spend the next four years getting their degrees. Taking to her Instagram Story, the helicopter pilot reposted a photo showing her middle child, Evan Whitesell, who is attending the University of Miami. "My heart is bursting. Beyond proud of you," she wrote. "Love you."

Lauren Sanchez and her kids Ella Whitesell and Evan Whitesell© GrosbyGroup
Lauren Sanchez and her kids Ella Whitesell and Evan Whitesell

Like Jeff Bezos's children, Evan Whitesell has lived a private lifestyle