BEDMINSTER, NJ – Jack Ciattarelli, a leading contender in the New Jersey Republican gubernatorial primary, appears to have solidified his ties with President Donald J. Trump and mended fences during a sit-down dinner at Trump’s Bedminster estate on Friday night.
The meeting, which Ciattarelli touted as a productive discussion on key conservative priorities, underscores the ongoing competition among GOP candidates to secure Trump’s favor ahead of the June primary election.
In a statement following the dinner, Ciattarelli emphasized his alignment with Trump’s agenda.
“As Governor, I will work with President Donald J. Trump on border security, keeping our communities safe, stopping offshore wind farms, ending New York’s congestion pricing plan, and keeping males out of girl’s and women’s sports, all of which we discussed Friday night,” he said.
The topics reflect a blend of national and regional issues that resonate with the GOP base, signaling Ciattarelli’s intent to position himself as the strongest Trump ally in the race.
Adding an unexpected twist to the evening, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk was also present at the table.
While Trump and Ciattarelli delved into policy matters, Musk drew attention in a viral moment by fiddling with and twirling silverware, a scene quickly captured and shared across social media.
After the viral moment when X and the internet tried to figure out what he was doing and why, Musk described the moment as, “A fork and two spoons balanced on the tip of my finger.”
The tech mogul’s playful distraction offered a lighthearted contrast to the otherwise serious tone of the dinner, further amplifying its buzz.
The dinner comes amid a heated rivalry with fellow GOP contender Bill Spadea, as both candidates vie to prove their loyalty to the former president. Political observers note that Ciattarelli’s high-profile meeting—complete with Musk’s cameo—could give him an edge in the “Trump lane” of the primary, though Spadea has also been vocal about his own conservative credentials and admiration for Trump. The jockeying for Trump’s support highlights the president’s influence within the Republican Party, even as he has yet to endorse a candidate in the New Jersey race officially.
As of now, Trump has remained silent on his preference for the June GOP primary election, leaving the field open for Ciattarelli, Spadea, and other contenders to make their case.
With the primary still months away, Ciattarelli’s Bedminster dinner may serve as a strategic move to energize his base and sway undecided voters who prioritize Trump’s approval.
Musk’s unexpected presence and viral moment, meanwhile, has only added to the night’s intrigue, ensuring it remains a talking point in the days ahead.