President-elect Donald Trump celebrated New Year's Eve 2025 with style at his Mar-a-Lago estate, attracting attention not just for the opulence of the event, but for the high-profile guests and the political undertones surrounding the gathering. Among the notable attendees was Elon Musk, who brought his son to the lavish festivities, where the atmosphere was lively and celebratory.
Musk was spotted dancing with his son, X AE A-XII, perched on his shoulders. Video clips shared on social media highlighted the joyous moment, showcasing Musk's playful interaction with his child and his evident enjoyment of the evening. The New York Times reported Musk’s stay at Mar-a-Lago included residing in one of the estate’s exclusive $2,000-a-night cottages since around Election Day.
The New Year’s bash attracted a star-studded lineup, featuring politicians, celebrities, and Trump's close associates. Guests included Musk’s mother, Maye, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, and Florida senator Ted Cruz. Boxing promoter Don King was also present, contributing to the event’s glamour.
Adding to the entertainment, Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of the host, captivated the audience with her rendition of Tom Petty's “I Won’t Back Down,” amplifying the festivities as guests anticipated the midnight countdown amid fireworks lighting the Florida sky.
Donald Trump Jr., who celebrated his 47th birthday on December 31, made headlines alongside his new girlfriend, Bettina Anderson. The pair arrived together at the party, shortly after their public debut as couple weeks earlier. Despite having recently split from his longtime fiancée, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Don Jr. appeared relaxed and at ease with Anderson.
The evening wasn’t only about personal celebrations. Trump Sr. took the opportunity to speak with reporters about the upcoming political climate, expressing confidence about the future. “Just a great year; I think we're going to do fantastically well as a country; we're going to bring it back; it has to be brought back,” he remarked. His plans included attending the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who had recently passed away at the age of 100.
Despite the joyous occasion, Trump's celebration was tinged with complexity as it coincided with recent legal setbacks. The former president faced the aftermath of losing an appeal connected to E. Jean Carroll's sexual abuse verdict, requiring him to pay substantial damages. The New York Times mentioned this ruling, which affirmed the jury's award of $5 million for defamation and sexual abuse against Trump, casting a shadow over his festive mood.
Attendees sang