Melania Trump welcomed 2026 in sparkling fashion at Mar-a-Lago on December 31, 2025, wearing a silver sequined gown that turned heads at the estate’s annual New Year’s Eve party in Palm Beach, Florida.
The first lady chose the Manu Sequin Maxi Dress by The New Arrivals, featuring a fully sequined silver construction that caught every flash of light throughout the evening. She paired the metallic gown with Christian Louboutin heels, maintaining her signature approach to high-profile appearances with polished elegance.
President Donald Trump accompanied his wife down the black carpet in a traditional tuxedo, greeting reporters briefly before the festivities. When asked about his New Year’s resolution, Trump offered a concise response: “Peace. Peace on Earth.”
The Mar-a-Lago celebration attracted a mix of political figures and cultural personalities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara attended the party. Netanyahu held official meetings with Trump on Monday, Dec. 29. The guest list also included Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Jeanine Pirro, film director Brett Ratner, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell.
Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, attended alongside Eric’s wife, Lara Trump, who selected a rose gold sequined dress that complemented the first lady’s metallic theme. Barron Trump, 19, joined his parents at the event. The president acknowledged his eldest son from the stage, wishing Donald Trump Jr. a happy birthday as he turned 48 on December 31.
One of the evening’s most unexpected moments came when artist Vanessa Horabuena created a live painting of Jesus Christ on stage. The artwork sold for $2.75 million. The proceeds were directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and a local sheriff’s department.
Entertainment for the night included a performance by Vanilla Ice, who took the stage to deliver his signature hit “Ice Ice Baby,” bringing a nostalgic element to the celebration.
During his time on stage, Trump discussed the ongoing daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota, stating that $18 billion was allegedly stolen in the state.
The New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago has evolved into one of the club’s most significant annual events, drawing various high-profile attendees from entertainment, sports, and business sectors.
Guests paid $1,450 to attend the party in 2025. The celebration represents one of several exclusive gatherings held at the Mar-a-Lago estate throughout the year.
Two cast members from the Netflix show “Members Only: Palm Beach,” Hilary Musser and Rosalyn Yellin, attended the party, adding a reality television element to the guest list. The show has brought increased attention to Palm Beach’s social scene and the exclusive club culture that defines much of the area’s high society.
Melania Trump’s fashion choices at Mar-a-Lago’s New Year’s Eve celebrations have consistently drawn attention over the years. For the New Year’s Eve party welcoming 2025, she wore a black Versace gown, demonstrating her preference for designer pieces and structured silhouettes. Her selection of the silver sequined gown for this year’s celebration marked a departure toward more reflective, attention-grabbing metallics.
Brett Ratner’s attendance carried particular significance as he has been producing a documentary about Melania Trump for Amazon MGM Studios. The endeavor offers an intimate look at her life and role as first lady.
The charity auction’s success, raising $2.75 million for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and local law enforcement, highlighted the philanthropic component of the celebration. Horabuena’s painting transformed into a significant fundraising moment that benefited both a nationally recognized children’s health organization and local public safety initiatives.
Netanyahu’s presence at the party followed substantive policy discussions with Trump, demonstrating how social events at Mar-a-Lago often intertwine with diplomatic and political activities. The Israeli prime minister’s attendance underscored the estate’s dual function as both a private club and an informal venue for international relations.
The annual New Year’s Eve celebration continues to serve as a gathering point for Trump’s political allies, business associates, and social circle. The event’s guest list offers insight into the relationships and networks that characterize Trump’s approach to blending political leadership with his longstanding role as a Palm Beach social figure and club proprietor.
