Texas Man Breaks Into Mar-a-Lago to 'Spread the Gospel' and to Propose to Trump's Granddaughter

A 23-year-old man from El Paso, Texas, was arrested early on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, after allegedly breaching the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Authorities say Anthony Thomas Reyes scaled a wall surrounding the former president's estate with the goal of 'spreading the gospel' and proposing to Donald Trump's granddaughter.

The incident unfolded before dawn and triggered an immediate response from the U.S. Secret Service, who detained Reyes on the property. He now faces potential federal charges and remains held on a $50,000 bond. It marks his second attempt at entering the estate, having previously tried to access it on New Year's Eve.

'God Sent Me Here'

Reyes, in statements made to police, insisted he was on a mission from God. According to arrest affidavits, he claimed he'd travelled over 1,500 miles to deliver a divine message to former President Trump and to propose marriage to 18-year-old Kai Trump, daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and granddaughter of the former president. He was reportedly unarmed and expressed no intent to harm.

At the time of the breach, neither Donald Trump nor any immediate family members were at the estate. Trump was in Washington, D.C., attending meetings linked to his ongoing presidential campaign. There has been no public response from the Trump family regarding the incident.

Who is Kai Trump?

Kai Madison Trump is the eldest child of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump. At 18, she's already gained a social media following, frequently sharing updates on her interests in fashion and golf. She's a recent high school graduate and is expected to attend the University of Miami, where she plans to join the collegiate golf team.

While the teenager has not commented publicly on the matter, her growing online presence likely contributed to attracting Reyes's attention. The line between public admiration and personal boundaries is increasingly blurred in today's digital age.

A Recurring Security Concern

Despite the heavy security presence, this isn't the first time Mar-a-Lago has faced a breach. The estate, which remains a key hub for Trump's political and personal operations, has seen its fair share of intrusions. Notably, in 2019, a Chinese woman was apprehended with electronic devices after entering under false pretences, raising concerns about espionage risks.

In Reyes's case, Palm Beach police say they've flagged the incident for federal review due to its repeated nature. If prosecutors pursue the matter further, Reyes could face enhanced charges or mandatory mental health evaluation.

Former Secret Service agent Timothy Miller told local media outlets the intrusion will be taken seriously regardless of the suspect's intent. 'He may have been non-violent, but security doesn't get to gamble on intent,' he said. 'Any unauthorized access to a location like Mar-a-Lago is treated as a critical breach.'

A Symptom of a Larger Issue?

Incidents like these have prompted wider conversations about how public figures, especially young ones are thrust into visibility with limited control. For families with political legacy and media exposure, privacy becomes increasingly difficult to maintain.

Experts say the current media environment often encourages parasocial relationships, where followers believe they share an emotional connection with public figures. In extreme cases, these can manifest in real-world attempts to reach out just as Reyes allegedly did.

The Legal Path Ahead

As of writing, Reyes remains in custody while legal proceedings begin. The Trump family has not released any official comment, and it remains unclear if they will pursue any legal action directly.

What's evident, though, is that the incident has once again raised questions about security at high-profile residences and the psychological pressures surrounding fame, influence, and faith in American society.