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By Anna Commander
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President Donald Trump was asked what his New Year's resolution will be for 2026 at Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday night, and he responded, "peace on earth."
Why It Matters
Trump has declared "peace on earth" as his New Year's resolution for 2025 during a time of significant international conflict. As he settles into his second term, foreign policy remains a central challenge, with ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine complicating his agenda to disentangle America from global hostilities. Trump's messaging on peace comes as he balances domestic expectations and complex realities on the global stage.
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Trump has also taken credit for ending several wars across the world. The Associated Press previously reported that his statements were premature.
What To Know
At a New Year’s Eve gathering at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump shared his 2025 resolution while speaking with the media. He said, “Peace on earth, peace on earth" when a reporter inquired about his New Year's resolution.
His December 31 festivities in the past have drawn several high-profile guests, including U.S. Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, Elon Musk and Trump’s family.
When asked about Trump's remark, D. Stephen Voss, political science professor at the University of Kentucky, told Newsweek via email on Wednesday night: "Politicians bring about change when they go against type: Nixon in China, Clinton reforming welfare. Trump can adopt a peace message safely because, based on partisan stereotypes, voters will assume he means peace through strength."
The president’s statement comes as his administration faces escalating military tensions abroad, particularly with Venezuela. During his first year back in office, Trump has confronted the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, as well as stalled peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Trump initially touted efforts to mediate these conflicts, including the commencement of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine; however, significant progress has yet to immediately materialize.
Trump also announced a ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas in October.
The president's resolution last year was "I just want everybody to be happy, healthy, and well."
Later during the festivities, Trump took a swipe at Minnesota amid ongoing allegations of child care fraud in the state.
Federal authorities have alleged hundreds of millions in losses to fraudulent schemes, many involving government-funded day care programs in Minnesota. These high-profile cases have become intertwined with heated political rhetoric targeting Minnesota’s Somali American community.
"We want to take back our country, can you imagine, they stole 18 billion dollars. That's just what we're learning about," Trump said.
"California is worse, Illinois is worse, and sadly New York is worse. A lot of other places, so we're going to get to the bottom of all of it, it was a giant scam. Other than that, we're going to have a great new year," the president added.
But prosecutor Joe Thompson over the summer said that the total loss from all Minnesota cases of fraud could top $1 billion, according to PBS News. A federal prosecutor this month alleged that at least half the approximately $18 billion in U.S. funds allocated for 14 programs in the North Star State since 2018 might have been stolen, per the outlet.
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What People Are Saying
Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office also issued a New Year's statement, which mentioned Trump, on X Wednesday: "HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY THE DEEPLY DISTURBED LOSERS SUFFERING FROM EXTREME NEWSOM DERANGEMENT SYNDROME ('NDS'). DOCTORS SAY IT’S CURABLE, VERY EASY TREATMENT, BUT THEY REFUSE IT BECAUSE THEY LIKE BEING 'MISERABLE.' OH WELL! SPEAKING OF LOSERS, I HOPE DONALD TRUMP HAS THE 2026 'HE DESERVES' AFTER UNLEASHING CHAOS ON THE PEOPLE OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY THIS YEAR. WE WILL NEVER FORGIVE HIM FOR MARCHING SOLDIERS INTO OUR BEAUTIFUL CITIES, RAISING TAXES SO HE CAN GIVE YOUR MONEY TO HIS RICH FRIENDS, HIS STUPID TARIFFS, RIPPING BABIES AWAY FROM THEIR MOTHERS, THROWING GRANDMAS OFF THEIR HEALTHCARE, PROMISING AID FOR THE PEOPLE OF LOS ANGELES TO REBUILD HOMES AND THEN VANISHING. HE IS A TOTAL FRAUD, TOTAL COWARD, AND TOTAL LOSER! THERE IS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE WAITING FOR HIM (EVERYONE KNOWS WHERE) AND IT’S NOT MAR-A-LAGO! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. — GCN"
What Happens Next
Trump's next steps amid ongoing conflicts abroad, as well as his ability to balance competing domestic and international pressures, will likely shape both his presidency and America’s global role in 2026.
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Update 12/31/25, 10:54 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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