Overview
- Artist Vanessa Horabuena speed‑painted a portrait of Jesus that Trump auctioned for $2.75 million, with him saying the money would be split between St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a local sheriff’s department.
- Asked for his New Year’s resolution, the president replied, “Peace. Peace on Earth,” before heading into the black‑tie celebration with first lady Melania Trump.
- Trump told guests the United States was “back” and “strong,” touting tariff revenue, economic growth and $1,776 payments to service members, and he highlighted alleged fraud under investigation in Minnesota.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended after policy talks at Mar‑a‑Lago earlier in the week, as photos showed the two leaders together during the festivities.
- The long‑running Mar‑a‑Lago New Year’s tradition drew Trump family members and allies including Rudy Giuliani, Kristi Noem, Tom Emmer, Dan Scavino, Jeanine Pirro and Hussain Sajwani, with tickets reported at about $1,450 under heightened security.