The Trumps rang in the New Year in style.
But as usual, it was the First Lady’s outfit that stole the spotlight.
Melania’s ‘tin foil’ dress sparked strong reactions on social media.
On December 31, 2025, Donald Trump and Melania Trump hosted their traditional New Year’s Eve celebration at Mar-a-Lago. And as you may know, celebrating New Year’s Eve at Mar-a-Lago is anything but ordinary.
Forget champagne and caviar, guests at Trump’s Palm Beach estate were treated to speed painting, live worship music, and an auction that raised millions for charity, all while rubbing shoulders with billionaires, politicians, and Hollywood elites.
“I want to just do something very special,” President Trump said as the night kicked off.
But as the Mar-a-Lago crowd toasted to 2026 in over-the-top fashion, all eyes — and tweets — were on Melania.
A long sculptural silhouette
During New Year’s Eve 2024–2025, Melania wore a black Versace Medusa 95 Draped Gown. For 2025–2026, she went for a glitzier, more sparkling version. Melania’s outfit came from The New Arrivals by Ilkyaz Ozel, a label known for bold, modern designs.
The Manu Sequin maxi dress featured a long, sculptural silhouette covered in metallic sequins and sleeveless styling that turned heads.
Melania cinched it at the waist with a matching belt and completed the look with elegant silver Christian Louboutin heels. The result radiated Old Hollywood glamour, polished for a modern luxury gala, and perfectly staged for the cameras.
Her accessories were minimal, just a pair of stud earrings, and her makeup was refined, highlighting her natural elegance. Signature loose waves framed her face, giving her that effortless First Lady glamour.
Once photos hit the internet, the reactions were immediate — and heated.
”That’s alot [sic] of tin foil,” one user joked.
Cruel comments
Another chimed in: ”Not exactly a dress I would expect a 1st lady to wear.”
The criticisms kept coming.
”Aluminum foil wrap,” another mocked.
”I don’t care how good she looks in that outfit, that is not appropriate to dress that way for a First Lady. She looks like she’s going to a nightclub,” read one viral comment.
Concerns about the fit also surfaced: ”But her shoulders!”, one exclaimed. Another asked, ”Could the dress get any tighter?”
Still, some fans stood by Melania’s daring choice.
”Perfect dress to ring in the New Year,” one supporter wrote. Yet even among praise, curiosity lingered: ”Melania looks different…. different smile or something?!!?” a netizen commented.
Elite guests flock to Mar-a-Lago
Whatever the online chatter, one thing was clear: Melania’s gown sold out almost immediately after the event.
Inside the ballroom, guests including Rudy Giuliani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, and members of the Trump administration like Kristi Noem and Tom Emmer mingled in the glittering space.
The Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve gala has been a high-profile tradition for nearly 20 years, attracting stars like Serena Williams, Tiger Woods, and Rod Stewart.
Tickets this year were $1,450, but that didn’t stop VIPs from showing up to ring in 2026 in style. And just when it seemed the night couldn’t get any more extravagant, artist Vanessa Horabuena took the stage to paint a massive depiction of Jesus live, which was later auctioned for $2,750,000 — capping off the evening in awe-inspiring fashion.
A night of spectacle
As the clock struck midnight, President Trump shared his New Year’s resolution: ”Peace on earth.”
That statement is certainly open to debate — especially considering that just days later, the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Add in Trump’s renewed push to potentially acquire Greenland — with the White House saying military options “are always an option” — and critics aren’t convinced the president is settling into peaceful skies anytime soon.
