US President Donald Trump ushered in the New Year at his private Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, expressing his primary wish for 2026 as global peace. The black-tie celebration on Wednesday night saw a gathering of international leaders, administration officials, and prominent allies.
New Year's Eve Address and Administration's Achievements
Before joining the festivities with First Lady Melania Trump, the President briefly addressed the press, revealing his resolution for the coming year was simply "peace on Earth." During his formal address at the gala, Trump vigorously defended his administration's performance. He declared that the United States had regained its strength and was experiencing a rapid resurgence.
"We're taking in hundreds of millions of dollars in tariffs," President Trump stated. "We're doing great as a country. We're back. We're strong. I didn't think it could happen this fast. It's happening faster than anybody thought possible."
High-Profile Attendees and Charitable Auction
The exclusive event boasted a distinguished guest list. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara were among the key international figures present. Several senior US officials and political supporters also attended, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
The gathering also included Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, who, according to the New York Post, plans to invest $20 billion in US data centre projects. In a notable moment, President Trump took on the role of auctioneer for a painting of Jesus Christ by artist Vanessa Horabuena. The artwork was sold for USD 2.75 million, with proceeds pledged to St. Jude Children's Hospital and a sheriff's department.
National Guard Withdrawal from Major Cities
Marking what he called a positive start to the New Year, President Trump announced a significant policy move. He declared the withdrawal of National Guard forces from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. He credited their deployment with a substantial reduction in crime rates in these urban areas.
However, in a post on his Truth Social platform, the President issued a clear warning. He indicated that federal forces could be sent back in a stronger form if criminal activity were to rise again. "We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again - Only a question of time," Trump stated, asserting that federal intervention had saved the cities from being "GONE."
The Mar-a-Lago gala, blending political discourse, diplomacy, and philanthropy, set the tone for the Trump administration's agenda as it steps into the new year.
