PALM BEACH, Fla. (Diya TV) — President Donald Trump rang in the New Year at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Wednesday, expressing a simple wish for 2026: “Peace on Earth.” Speaking briefly to reporters before attending a black-tie New Year’s Eve gala with First Lady Melania Trump, the former president said his resolution for the year ahead focused on global harmony. “Peace. Peace on Earth,” he replied when asked about his New Year’s plans.
At the Mar-a-Lago event, Trump praised his administration’s record, highlighting economic growth and strong federal revenues. “We’re taking in hundreds of millions of dollars in tariffs,” he said. “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.”
The gala drew a mix of political allies and international figures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, attended. Senior officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, and Ambassador Sergio Gor, were also present.
Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, who earlier this year announced plans to invest $20 billion in U.S. data centers, attended the event as well.
During the gala, Trump took on the role of auctioneer for a painting of Jesus Christ by artist Vanessa Horabuena. The artwork sold for $2.75 million, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Hospital and a local sheriff’s department.
Trump also announced the withdrawal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. He said their deployment had helped reduce crime in those cities but left open the possibility of future redeployments if crime rises.
“We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, even though CRIME has been greatly reduced by having these great Patriots in those cities, and ONLY by that fact,” he said in a Truth Social post. “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again—only a question of time.”
Trump often cites his efforts to end global conflicts as part of his record. In 2025, he claimed to have helped end “eight wars in eight months,” including tensions between Israel and Iran, India and Pakistan, and disputes involving Armenia and Azerbaijan, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Thailand and Cambodia, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Serbia and Kosovo.
Independent fact-checkers have questioned these claims. Analysts note that most agreements cited were temporary ceasefires or diplomatic pauses, not full peace treaties. India specifically rejected Trump’s claim of U.S. involvement in its four-day conflict with Pakistan. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that talks occurred directly between India and Pakistan through established channels.
Despite his public claims, Trump did not receive the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The award went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who was recognized for her advocacy for democratic rights in Venezuela. Machado dedicated part of her honor to Trump, acknowledging U.S. support that allowed her to travel and receive the award.
