Washington, D.C. – As Silicon Valley’s most powerful figures look to make their mark on U.S. policy, many are setting their sights on Washington, D.C., and investing in real estate within proximity to the White House. With the Trump administration’s radical reshaping of federal agencies, tech moguls are seizing the chance to establish a foothold in the capital—literally and figuratively.
From Elon Musk to Mark Zuckerberg, the move to acquire high-end properties is more than just a personal investment—it’s a strategic play to influence national policy at a time when the White House is embarking on a sweeping transformation of government.
Elon Musk: From Office Space to D.C. Social Hub
Elon Musk, the unpredictable billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, has reportedly secured an office space in the Eisenhower Building, just a stone’s throw from the White House. But when it comes to where Musk will call home in the capital, things are a bit murkier. Known for his no-frills approach to wealth, Musk has avoided the flashy mansions and opulent estates typically associated with billionaires.
However, recent rumors suggest that Musk was eyeing the trendy Line DC hotel, located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. Despite early excitement, Musk was absent from the auction in late January, and the property ultimately went to ACORE Capital, which took over the hotel after settling an $86 million debt. However, sources close to the deal indicate that Musk may still pursue purchasing the property from its new owners. The Tesla CEO’s plans for the hotel are intriguing: he may convert it into an exclusive private social club, a concept that mirrors the social dynamics seen at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.
Mark Zuckerberg Eyes D.C. as Key to Political Influence
Facebook’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg, is also eyeing Washington as a hub for expanding his influence. After a rocky start to his relationship with President Trump, Zuckerberg has worked to mend fences and position himself as a prominent figure in shaping the current administration’s policies.
Zuckerberg’s interest in D.C. has intensified in the past year, particularly as he has grown more involved with lobbying efforts. He joined the Business Roundtable in 2019, a powerful association of CEOs advocating for business-friendly policies, signaling a desire to strengthen his ties to Washington. His connections run deep in the capital: Zuckerberg attended a party at Peter Thiel’s D.C. mansion on the eve of Trump’s inauguration in 2017, where he rubbed shoulders with business leaders and political insiders. Thiel, a major Silicon Valley figure, purchased a $13 million property in 2021 and has been a central figure in the Trump administration’s orbit.
Bezos and Thiel: D.C.’s Long-Term Tech Heavyweights
While Musk and Zuckerberg are new players in the D.C. real estate game, others like Jeff Bezos and Peter Thiel have already made significant investments. Bezos, the Amazon founder, has long called D.C. home, purchasing the former Textile Museum in the Kalorama neighborhood in 2016 for a cool $23 million. The property—two adjacent mansions built at the turn of the 20th century—has become one of the most exclusive addresses in the city. Bezos’s investment underscores his commitment to remaining at the center of American political discourse, particularly as Amazon’s influence on both business and government continues to grow.
Similarly, Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal, has cultivated close ties to Washington, and his D.C. mansion reflects his long-standing interest in shaping national policy. Known for his political clout and close ties to Trump, Thiel’s real estate presence is a testament to the intersection of wealth and power in the nation’s capital.
Jeff Skoll: The D.C. Proximity Play
While many of his peers are securing properties in Washington itself, eBay founder Jeff Skoll has opted for a quieter life just outside the capital. Skoll purchased a sprawling estate in McLean, Virginia, for $25.5 million, situated on nearly 9 acres. The location allows him to be close to Washington while maintaining privacy and distance from the bustle of the city. Skoll’s decision was partly driven by his interest in Washington-based sports teams, particularly through his minority stake in Monumental Sports Entertainment, which owns the Washington Capitals hockey team.
Skoll’s move highlights another layer to these real estate investments: they’re not just about proximity to power—they’re about positioning within the networks that shape policy, culture, and business in the D.C. area.
Why D.C. Is the New Power Hub for Silicon Valley
The surge of Big Tech billionaires buying property in Washington reflects a growing desire to influence national policy during a period of unparalleled change. As the Trump administration continues to overhaul the federal bureaucracy, these tech giants are positioning themselves to play an outsized role in shaping the future of government.
For Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos, Thiel, and Skoll, D.C. represents a critical axis of power—a place where business leaders and political elites intersect. By planting roots in the capital, these billionaires are not just making a financial investment; they are securing a seat at the table of national decision-making.
As Silicon Valley’s most influential figures increasingly converge on the capital, the lines between business and politics continue to blur, signaling a new era in which the world’s wealthiest and most powerful individuals can wield greater influence over the direction of U.S. policy.
