Melania Trump welcomed 2026 in a shimmering silver sequined gown at the annual New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, turning the New Year’s Eve celebration into a showcase of glittering fashion and political star power.
The first lady chose a floor-length metallic dress by The New Arrivals, designed by Ilkyaz Ozel, featuring sequins that caught every camera flash throughout the evening. She completed the look with Christian Louboutin heels that matched the silver theme, creating a cohesive, high-shine ensemble befitting the high-profile event.
President Donald Trump accompanied his wife on the black carpet, wearing a traditional tuxedo as he has done for years at the club’s signature holiday event. When reporters asked about his resolution for the new year, Trump offered a succinct response: “Peace. Peace on earth.”
The guest list reflected the intersection of politics, business and entertainment that has characterized Mar-a-Lago’s New Year’s Eve gatherings over recent years. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the festivities, having held official meetings with Trump earlier in the week. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem joined the celebration, as did Jeanine Pirro and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
The business world was represented by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, while Hollywood director Brett Ratner, who is working on an upcoming documentary about the first lady, mingled with other guests. The Trump family presence included Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and the president’s youngest son, Barron Trump, who is 19.
Eric Trump arrived with his wife, Lara Trump, who wore a rose gold sequined dress that complemented Melania’s silver ensemble. The coordinated metallic looks created a visually striking entrance for the Trump family women, both choosing high-wattage glamour for the occasion.
This year’s selection marked a departure from Melania Trump’s previous New Year’s Eve choice. At the 2024-2025 celebration, she wore a black Versace gown, demonstrating her preference for designer labels and sophisticated silhouettes at the annual event.
The evening included unexpected entertainment when artist Vanessa Horabuena created a live painting on stage. Working in front of the assembled guests, she completed a portrait of Jesus Christ that became the centerpiece of the night’s charitable fundraising efforts.
President Trump took on the role of auctioneer for the artwork, engaging guests in competitive bidding that transformed the social gathering into a philanthropic moment. The painting ultimately sold for $2.75 million, with proceeds directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. “This is truly a beautiful piece of art,” Trump said of the painting during the auction.
Musical entertainment came from rapper Vanilla Ice, who performed his signature hit “Ice Ice Baby,” bringing a nostalgic element to the celebration. The performance added to the festive atmosphere as guests prepared to count down to midnight.
While addressing the crowd, Trump shifted from celebration to policy concerns, discussing the daycare fraud scandal that has emerged from Minnesota. The president cited $18 billion stolen in the state, describing the situation as part of a broader pattern of fraudulent activity.
The Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve party has evolved into a significant annual tradition at the private club. The event typically attracts members willing to pay several thousand dollars beyond their regular membership fees to attend. Guests paid $1,450 in 2025 for access to the celebration.
The exclusive character of the event has helped maintain its appeal while allowing for a substantial gathering. The payment structure ensures that attendance remains limited to those with direct connections to club members or membership status themselves.
The presence of Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Israeli prime minister, added an international dimension to the gathering. Her attendance alongside her husband underscored the blending of diplomatic relationships with social occasions that has become characteristic of events at the Florida estate.
Katie Miller, another attendee at the celebration, rounded out the roster of political figures present for the evening. The diverse guest list reflected Trump’s continued connections across multiple sectors, from government officials to business leaders to entertainment figures.
The first lady’s fashion choices for the evening demonstrated her ongoing influence in the style realm. Since her husband’s return to the White House, Melania Trump has maintained her position as a fashion reference point, with her clothing selections regularly analyzed and discussed in fashion media.
The designer, The New Arrivals by Ilkyaz Ozel, gained significant exposure from the high-profile appearance. The label represents part of a fashion industry that benefits from the visibility created when political figures wear their designs at major events.
Christian Louboutin, the luxury shoe designer whose creations Melania selected for the evening, has long been associated with red-carpet glamour and high-profile events. The designer’s signature red-soled footwear has appeared at countless formal occasions, making the brand a natural choice for New Year’s Eve at Mar-a-Lago.
The sequined aesthetic chosen by both Melania Trump and Lara Trump represented a traditional approach to New Year’s Eve dressing, when sparkle and shine typically dominate the fashion landscape. The metallic tones added a modern edge to classic formal silhouettes.
As midnight approached and fireworks prepared to illuminate the Palm Beach sky, the gathering represented both a social celebration and a display of the networks that surround the presidency. The combination of family, political allies, business associates and international dignitaries created a scene that merged personal and professional relationships in the distinctive setting of the Florida club.
Sources:
https://www.hola.com/us/celebrities/20260101875723/melania-trump-silver-gown-steals-spotlight-mar-a-lago-nye/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15423571/Donald-Trumps-MAGA-New-Years-Eve.html
https://evoke.ie/2026/01/01/entertainment/melania-trump-new-years-eve-party
https://www.glam.com/2066163/melania-trump-new-years-eve-outfit-worst-dressed-party/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/melania-trump-shimmers-at-new-years-eve-party-in-mar-a-lago/ar-AA1ToiZ8
