US President Donald Trump welcomed the year 2026 with a grand, black-tie celebration at his luxurious Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The event, held on December 31, 2025, saw the President and First Lady Melania Trump usher in the New Year with hundreds of guests, high-profile political figures, and family members.
An Evening of Opulence and a Plea for Peace
President Trump, dressed in a formal tuxedo, briefly addressed reporters alongside Melania Trump, who wore a striking silver gown. When asked about his New Year's resolution for 2026, the President stated succinctly, "World peace." He refrained from commenting on recent developments in foreign policy, keeping his focus on the festive occasion.
Inside the opulent Donald J. Trump Ballroom, the President took to the stage to address the gathered guests. He expressed optimism about the nation's direction during the initial phase of his non-consecutive second term. Trump highlighted economic policies, stating, "We’re taking in hundreds of millions of dollars in tariffs," and proclaimed that America was "back" and "strong." He also reiterated a previous promise to provide $1,776 checks to military service members.
Charity Auction and High-Profile Attendees
A unique highlight of the evening was a live performance by Christian worship artist Vanessa Horabuena, who created a speed-painted portrait of Jesus Christ on stage. President Trump himself presided over the auction of the artwork, engaging with bidders in a lively manner. The painting ultimately fetched a staggering $2.75 million.
The President announced that the proceeds from the auction would be directed towards charitable causes, specifically naming St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a local sheriff’s department.
The guest list was a mix of family, political allies, and international leaders. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in attendance, appearing alongside Trump in social media posts from the event. When questioned, Trump said he was "not concerned about anything that Israel’s doing" as their discussions on Middle Eastern matters continue.
Star-Studded Gathering to Welcome 2026
The celebration was a family affair with Trump's sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and daughter-in-law Lara Trump present. The event also drew a crowd of prominent figures from various spheres, including:
- Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani
- Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani
- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
- White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino
The lavish party at Mar-a-Lago set a tone of celebration and political networking as the world stepped into the year 2026, with the US President's call for global peace echoing as the central message of the night.
