Trump International Hotel has been evacuated, and guests have been moved to Resorts World Las Vegas, officials said at the news conference.
In a statement that President-elect Donald Trump’s son Eric Trump also shared on X, the Trump Organization acknowledged that “a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas.”
“The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism,” the statement read.
Trump International Hotel Las Vegas is owned by the Trump Organization and American businessman Phil Ruffin.
In videos of the lobby, loud blasts can be heard as the fire grows larger just beyond the entrance to the hotel, which is embossed with the letter “T” for Trump.
Mary Lescano Paguada, 43, who was on vacation in Las Vegas from San Antonio to celebrate the new year at the hotel, told NBC News she heard an explosion in the early morning.
Initially, she did not worry until she started seeing law enforcement officers responding the scene.
Paguada said that once she and her husband reached he lobby, they heard screaming and were told by hotel staff members to get out and “don’t breathe the smoke. Don’t stay.”
She said they were not allowed to return to their rooms after they went downstairs to get them to evacuate the area.
Social media posts showed smoke filling the air around the building. Other videos taken from nearby hotels show first responders appearing to race to the scene.
Trump has tapped Musk to co-lead an advisory council, the Department of Government Efficiency, during his second administration, which aims to slash federal regulations and government spending. Musk, who is the world’s richest person, contributed $277 million to back Trump’s campaign and other GOP candidates, according to campaign finance records.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Andrew Blankstein, Kelly O’Donnell and Tom Winter contributed.
