More than 175 wildfires ripped through the Carolinas, forcing evacuations and a state of emergency, a viral video showed President Donald Trump dancing and celebrating with Elon Musk at Mar-a-Lago—without any public acknowledgment of the disaster unfolding just hundreds of miles away.
With powerful winds and dangerously dry conditions fueling the flames, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency. Residents near Myrtle Beach and the Blue Ridge Mountains scrambled to evacuate as thousands of acres burned uncontrollably. Yet, at Trump’s luxury resort in Palm Beach, the atmosphere was far from one of concern.
Social media erupted when footage surfaced of Trump and Musk at a lavish gala, striding down a runway to blaring music, greeted by roaring applause. Trump, casually dressed as if fresh off the golf course, waved red MAGA hats, seemingly preparing to toss them into the crowd. Musk followed closely behind, his son perched on his shoulders, as professional videographers captured the spectacle.
“This is just absurd,” one outraged user wrote on X. “The US president is partying while the country burns, and his followers cheer like it’s normal.”
Meanwhile, South Carolina alone was battling 4,200 acres of uncontrollable wildfires, particularly in the Pee Dee region. The South Carolina Forestry Commission reported being overwhelmed, struggling to contain the spreading infernos.
Meteorologists predicted relief might be on the way, with a cold front expected to push through and bring rain by Tuesday. By early Monday, the number of active fires had dropped to 163, but the devastation was far from over.
Despite the unfolding disaster, the Mar-a-Lago party continued uninterrupted. Another video clip from the night showcased the grand ballroom’s glittering chandeliers and gold coffered ceilings as Trump and Musk took the stage, bathed in the glow of countless smartphones capturing the moment.
Adding to the controversy, Trump’s visit to Palm Beach brought traffic to a standstill. Authorities shut down South Ocean Boulevard for hours, closed three drawbridges, and halted boat traffic amid heightened security. Temporary flight restrictions also blanketed Palm Beach County throughout Trump’s stay.
Meanwhile, the fires continued to rage two states north. Near Myrtle Beach, a massive blaze threatened the Carolina Forest community, home to 23,000 residents. Videos from the area showed an apocalyptic orange haze blanketing the sky as fierce winds spread the flames. By Sunday night, the 1,600-acre fire remained only 30% contained, forcing firefighters to battle through the night to protect neighborhoods.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk (with his human shield) walk the catwalk at some event at Mar-a-Lago.
So cringe.
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) March 2, 2025
As the fires intensified, Trump boarded Air Force One to return to Washington, accompanied by Musk and his son. Video captured their arrival, smiling and waving as they strolled across the White House lawn—without a single mention of the unfolding catastrophe.
In Horry County, evacuations were ordered in eight neighborhoods, while the South Carolina Army National Guard deployed Blackhawk helicopters to drop thousands of gallons of water onto the infernos. A statewide red flag fire alert remained in effect due to high winds, low humidity, and dangerously dry conditions.
The crisis extended into North Carolina, where firefighters struggled to contain blazes across the state’s four national forests. Near Tryon, the rapidly expanding 176 Fire scorched 400 acres with zero containment by Sunday afternoon.
Despite the widespread devastation, there was no federal response. The White House remained silent, offering no statement or support as communities braced for more destruction.
The ongoing drought is only making matters worse. The U.S. Climate Prediction Center forecasts moderate to severe drought conditions gripping the Carolinas well into the spring, raising fears of more wildfires in the coming months.
Trump’s lavish Mar-a-Lago event also came as he faced mounting disapproval, even among Republican voters. Recent polls indicate that more than half of Americans are dissatisfied with his leadership, particularly his failure to deliver on campaign promises, including his pledge to lower consumer prices.
Adding to economic concerns, House Republicans recently pushed through a controversial budget plan that slashes $2 trillion in spending while delivering $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. Critics warn that the cuts will devastate middle-class families by reducing public services, limiting access to healthcare, and shrinking social programs like Medicaid.
Musk’s influence in the administration has also come under scrutiny, with mass layoffs hitting government agencies. On Monday, his Department of Government Efficiency reportedly fired 800 employees from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—the very agency responsible for tracking weather conditions vital to wildfire response.
Meanwhile, Americans could soon face even higher prices after Trump hinted at reinstating a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, citing concerns over drug smuggling.
As Trump and Musk enjoyed their Mar-a-Lago celebration, social media exploded with backlash.
What do you notice in this video of Donald Trump and Elon Musk walking in on an event at Mar-a-Lago today?
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) March 2, 2025
“People are struggling, crises are everywhere, and Trump is doing what he does best: ignoring it all while living it up at his private club,” one person wrote on X.
“Trump is having a great time while Americans are suffering. Shameful,” another added.
The fires continue to rage, and so does the outrage.
