Charity auction, Netanyahu among partygoers: Inside Trump and Melania’s Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve party
President Trump and First Lady Melania hosted their annual New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among the high-profile guests. Trump's New Year's resolution was "Peace on Earth." The event included a charity auction where a painting sold for $2.75 million.
Source: AP, Instagram/realmichaelsolakiewicz
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Wednesday hosted their annual New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, drawing high-profile guests from politics, business, and social circles.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also among the attendees.
Netanyahu, who arrived at Trump’s Palm Beach residence on Monday, was spotted alongside a tuxedo-clad Trump in a social media post shared by conservative influencer Michael Solakiewicz. Trump and Netanyahu were seen watching the fireworks display together.
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According to AFP, Trump had joked earlier during their meetings that the Israeli leader might attend the party while discussing the fragile Gaza ceasefire and other regional geopolitical issues.
The US President also briefly spoke to reporters outside the club’s ballroom. On being asked by the reporter about his 2026 resolution, he said “Peace, Peace on Earth”.
The evening also featured a charity auction. Artist Vanessa Horabuena created a speed painting of Jesus, which Trump later auctioned for charity at the event. The painting ultimately sold for $2.75 million, with half of the proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the other half to the local sheriff’s department.
“It’s going to St. Jude’s. It’s going to the sheriff’s office. We have two million seven fifty,” Trump said after the final bidding.
According to the NY Post, the guest list was packed with Trump’s family and allies, including his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, daughter-in-law Lara Trump, longtime ally Rudy Giuliani, Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, U.S.
Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, and businessman Phil Ruffin.Inside the ballroom, Trump told guests, “We’re back. We’re strong. The country is doing great.” “We have a lot of leaders,” he added. The black-tie celebration featured dinner, music, and fireworks. Mar-a-Lago, often referred to as Trump’s “Winter White House,” was under heightened security for the festivities.