President Donald Trump ushered in 2026 at his signature Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve celebration with a message of peace, patriotism, and accountability — promising to “get to the bottom” of the exploding welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota.
Wearing a sharp black tuxedo and joined by First Lady Melania Trump — dazzling in a silver gown — the president briefly addressed reporters outside the Mar-a-Lago ballroom. When asked about his resolution for the new year, Trump simply stated: “Peace on Earth,” before entering the venue for the glittering celebration.
Inside the packed Palm Beach ballroom, Trump delivered remarks to a crowd of supporters and high-profile guests, declaring, “We’re back. We’re strong,” and emphasizing that the country is on the rebound under his leadership. But the tone quickly turned serious when Trump addressed the growing welfare scandal that has rocked Minnesota.
“Can you imagine they stole $18 billion?” Trump asked. “That’s just what we’re learning about. That’s peanuts. And California is worse, Illinois is worse, and sadly, New York is worse. We’re going to get to the bottom of all those. It was a giant scam.”
The comments follow his administration’s decision to freeze all federal child care payments to Minnesota and launch a nationwide audit of similar programs amid evidence of widespread fraud — including the use of taxpayer dollars to fund fake daycare and meal programs tied to political operatives and organized crime networks.
Among the notable guests at the black-tie gala were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — who had met with Trump earlier in the week to discuss the Gaza cease-fire — as well as Trump’s sons Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, daughter-in-law Lara Trump, and a host of loyal officials from Trump’s second-term administration.
Attendees included Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, and U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, who committed $20 billion earlier this year to Trump’s national infrastructure and data center expansion plan, was also seen at the gala.
The evening featured a performance by Christian worship artist Vanessa Horabuena, who live-painted a portrait of Jesus Christ during the event. Trump later announced the painting would be auctioned off for charity. The winning bidder pledged $2.5 million to be split between the local sheriff’s department and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“These people are loaded with cash,” Trump joked.
With the world watching and investigations widening, Trump made clear that 2026 will be a year of reckoning — for fraudsters, for bloated government programs, and for those who “put politics over the American people.”
“Accountability is coming,” Trump vowed.
The post Trump Rings In New Year With Message of ‘Peace on Earth,’ Pledges to Expose Minnesota Fraud at Star-Studded Mar-a-Lago Gala appeared first on Real News Now.
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