Trump Oversees Iran Strikes From Mar-a-Lago

President directs military operation from makeshift Situation Room at his Florida resort

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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As a charity gala was underway at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump slipped away to a secure room on the other side of the estate to oversee a military strike on Iran. Top national security officials had gathered in the makeshift Situation Room, where Trump monitored the operation that included the killing of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump briefly joined the gala guests before returning to direct the unfolding events.

Why it matters

Trump's use of Mar-a-Lago to oversee sensitive military operations has long raised concerns among national security professionals about the potential intersection of paying club members and the country's most classified information. While the resort has security measures in place, it is not considered an impenetrable location for such high-stakes decision-making.

The details

In the secure room, the CIA director, secretary of state, secretary of defense, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were present, with a map of the Middle East showing American assets and Iranian targets. Trump arrived and watched the operation unfold, which included the killing of Khamenei. Trump briefly joined the gala guests before returning to direct the events.

  • On Friday evening, March 1, 2026, Trump oversaw the military operation from Mar-a-Lago.
  • On Saturday night, March 2, 2026, Trump attended a fundraiser for a pro-Trump super PAC held at Mar-a-Lago.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who directed the military operation against Iran from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

Susie Wiles

Trump's chief of staff, who was seen gesturing in one of the photos released by the White House from the makeshift Situation Room.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The supreme leader of Iran, who was killed as part of the military operation ordered by Trump.

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What they’re saying

“Have a good time, everybody. I gotta go to work.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (CNN)

“It's called a whoop. It does not include a microphone, GPS, or cellular capability of any kind and has long been on the NSA approved (Personal Electronic Device) list.”

— Will Ahmed, Founder of the company that makes Susie Wiles' watch (CNN)

What’s next

The White House has said it is stepping up security around Mar-a-Lago and the White House in the wake of the military operation against Iran.

The takeaway

Trump's use of his private resort Mar-a-Lago to oversee sensitive military operations continues to raise concerns about the potential security risks and lack of transparency, as the president directs high-stakes decisions from a location that is not considered a secure government facility.