Mar-a-Lago Club – Home of Legendary Events and the World’s Greatest New Year’s Eve Gala

Donald Trump’s life has been one of many chapters. He has been a builder and developer, a writer and entertainer, and, of course a former – and future – President of the United States. Like all of us, each chapter does not replace the previous one, but instead adds onto it. Evidence of each of these skill sets and experiences now combine and culminate into excellence in everything Donald Trump does. At his core though, Donald Trump is still an entertainer. He is a showman who likes for his guests to have a good time – and likes to be part of the creative process. But far beyond that, Donald Trump wants everyone to be safe, be prosperous, successful, and have an enjoyable life worth celebrating.

The annual Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve gala is more than just a party; it’s an experience, which I have been blessed to attend the past two years. Facilitated by TEI Entertainment’s John McEntee and Thomas Kinmartin, the event features a variety of performances each year, reflecting Donald Trump’s appreciation for diverse entertainment.

This year’s pre-gala party earlier in the week featured poolside entertainment which began with a stirring and patriotic acapella rendition of the national anthem sung by 15-year-old, Reid Wilson, an America’s Got Talent finalist. Mike Love and the Beach Boys performed with a massive video spanning the back of the stage behind them, showing a collage of classic images from the original music of the 1960s – California Girls, Little Deuce Coupe, and Surfin’ Safari. The set concluded with a group of barefoot dancers in retro-inspired swimsuits who ended “Fun, Fun, Fun” with a playful jump into the pool in unison. President and Mrs. Trump both watched with delight, clapping their hands while watching from a low-lit club style table amidst the crowd.

As for New Year’s Eve itself, the evening started with a walk down a red carpet where photographs were taken of each of the 800 guests. Poolside food stations featuring caviar and lobster meat on skewers, were delicious and abundant. Bars on every side of the pool were open – and generously pouring. The swimming pool had a large floating Mar-a-Lago logo in it, and the perfectly manicured green lawn and perfectly trimmed palm trees lining the pool area framed a large clear tent which protected guests from sporadic drizzle throughout the evening. Donald Trump claims to lead a big tent party – and Mar-a-Lago was emblematic of that on New Year’s Eve.

Though outside the weather may have been a bit dreary, under that tent there were no dampened spirits. To the contrary, it was an impeccable group of perfectly coiffed and elegantly dressed people, representing a diverse group from wide ranging life experiences and ideologies. This was the hottest ticket in town – with a long wait list of individuals who were disappointed to not be able to join in the evening’s festivities.

Fireworks in the warm Florida sky, were the call to dinner. And as guests moved toward the exquisite grand ballroom, Donald Trump himself, on the balcony with Elon Musk who held his son X on his shoulders, talked and waved to guests as they moved to the ballroom. Earlier in the week, Donald Trump had publicly asked Elon, “Where are you? When are you coming to the ‘Center of the Universe, ‘Mar-a-Lago.’ We miss you and x! New Year’s Eve is going to be AMAZING!!!’” Thankfully both Mr. Musk and “Mini Musk” were in attendance, delighting the evening’s guests.

The 100-foot-long curved walkway leading to the ballroom was flanked by eight female electric violinists dressed elegantly in black floor-length gowns, playing instrumental versions of rock songs on elevated platforms. Upon entering the ballroom, guests were greeted by sky-high floral arrangements, sparkling chandeliers, and the Big Band sounds of Matt Mauser, a renowned performer in the David Foster portfolio.

Then the moment everyone had been waiting for – Mauser welcomed to the ballroom the 45th – and 47th – President of the United States – to thunderous applause and 800 cell phones high in the air capturing the thrilling moment.

The music throughout the evening ran the gambit of styles – from UK darling Lucy Thomas singing “Memories” from Cats the Musical in her seraphic voice, to a performance by William King, original member of the Commodores. And from young finalists of “The Voice” and “America’s Got Talent” to an ABBA Tribute. In a fun and unique performance, Guiness Book of World Records quick-change artist, Solange, also performed an act which stunned and delighted guests.

President and Mrs. Trump, along with VP-elect JD Vance and his wife, enjoyed the music, along with Trump family members Don Jr., Eric, and Tiffany. Lara Trump even performed her own version of, “I Won’t Back Down”.

The Mar-a-Lago gala is not just a celebration; it’s a showcase of excellence. As dinner began, President Trump was called to the stage where he received on behalf of the spectacular Mar-a-Lago club, the American Academy of Hospitality’s 6-Diamond Award for impeccable food, service, and entertainment. Guests often remark on Mar-a-Lago’s extraordinary cleanliness, which some claim “puts Disneyland to shame.” If you ask any of the staff, they are so proud to work there and enjoy supporting excellence under President Trump’s leadership.

For 25 years Mar-a-Lago club has delivered exceptional hospitality and extraordinary guest experiences with its white glove touch of excellence. No wonder there’s such a buzz and hype around getting on the list to attend not only the best New Year’s Eve party of the year, but the best party of the year. Far better than any televised show – this one can only be experienced in person.

This year’s celebration was particularly meaningful with the recent election victory of President Trump, and the crowd anticipating his upcoming return to the White House later this month. “Making America Great Again” begins shortly, and the Golden Age of America felt like it was already being ushered in amidst the glorious gold-gilded ballroom. The joy filling the ballroom mirrors the joyful anticipation being felt by Americans all across the nation who are relieved – and excited – for Donald Trump’s return to office. And are counting down the days!

The evening’s entertainment blended humor and inspiration, with “Sweet Home Alabama” being sung as “Sweet Home Mar-a-Lago.” The Village People had a prior engagement, so a Village People cover band sang, “Trump Man” instead of “Young Man” during the singing of YMCA which has been revived by the global sensation “The Trump Dance.” The Village People-inspired band also said that lots of people pretend to be macho, but there’s only one true “Macho Man” as they sang that song, dedicating it to President Trump. Richard Goodall, 2024 America’s Got Talent winner, said “Mr. President, I would like to dedicate this song to the 77 million people who voted for you and never stopped believing in you” as he sang “Don’t Stop Believing”.

In a nod to classic rock, guests enjoyed the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd, led by lead singer, Johnny Van Zant, who then surprised the crowd by inviting his brother, Donnie Van Zant, of 38 Special, to join him on stage to sing. The direction and inspiration of Donald Trump, the entertainer, was felt in every aspect of the evening’s fun and festivities. Both he and Mrs. Trump stayed throughout the evening, swaying to the music and appearing to have a wonderful time.

As the countdown concluded and the clock struck midnight, CeeLo Green took the stage and sang “Crazy”, as well as several of his other hits. Chicken and waffles, along with a chocolate fountain out on the patio area, concluded an extraordinary evening which continually surprised and delighted.

Although in the previous century, P.T. Barnum was celebrated for transforming the entertainment
industry and his traveling circus become known as “The Greatest Show on Earth”, perhaps it is time to pass that moniker to Donald J. Trump, who has proven year after year that he now truly is “The Greatest Showman”, hosting a modern-day extravaganza annually at Mar-a-Lago, a place which has become synonymous with grand entertainment.

And though for New Year’s Eve the epicenter was Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump’s focus and intention extends far beyond those historic walls in Palm Beach. Every day since his election he has been making decisions and announcements regarding plans for his second term in office. His vision for America is one which will utilize the 6-Diamond attention to detail and his ongoing commitment to make things better. He has the skill, the experience, the intention, and is assembling the team necessary to restore respect for America on the world stage, and infuse meticulous excellence into domestic affairs, just as is found in every aspect of Mar-a-Lago. Let the Golden Age of America begin – all across the nation.

About the Author: Peggy Grande was executive assistant to President Ronald Reagan and is author of “The President Will See You Now.” She was a political appointee in the Trump Administration and serves on the Board of Pepperdine School of Public Policy, and the Board of The Center for American Ideas.