At a lavish New Year's Eve celebration at his Palm Beach estate, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plans to attend the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter in Washington, D.C.
The event, attended by Vice President-elect JD Vance, Elon Musk, and other distinguished guests, also served as a platform for Trump to voice support for House Speaker Mike Johnson and the H-1B visa program. Surrounded by high-profile figures including his nominee for national security adviser U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz and education secretary Linda McMahon, as well as prominent GOP donor Miriam Adelson and attorney Alina Habba, Trump expressed confidence in Johnson's leadership amid internal party criticism.
Trump's endorsement of the H-1B visa program came after a public debate initiated by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, head of the Department of Government Efficiency appointed by Trump. The discussion highlighted divisions within the MAGA movement over immigration policies. Despite criticism from some quarters, including former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, Trump reiterated his backing for the visas.
The gathering not only underscored Trump's forthcoming attendance at Carter’s funeral on January 9 at the Washington National Cathedral but also shed light on his political endorsements and policy positions ahead of significant congressional votes. Former boxing promoter Don King, longtime adviser Roger Stone, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and his wife Heidi, alongside Trump’s children Donald Jr., Eric, and Tiffany were among those present.
Trump refrained from commenting on any communication with Carter’s family following the former president's death at age 100. His declaration of support for Speaker Mike Johnson ahead of crucial House votes signifies an attempt to consolidate party support around key figures and issues as he prepares to enter office.
This announcement comes amidst a backdrop of political maneuvering and showcases Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party as well as his engagement with contentious policy debates. As he steps into Mar-a-Lago with Melania by his side for the new year celebration, these remarks signal strategic alignments and priorities that will likely shape his administration's approach moving forward.
The event, attended by Vice President-elect JD Vance, Elon Musk, and other distinguished guests, also served as a platform for Trump to voice support for House Speaker Mike Johnson and the H-1B visa program. Surrounded by high-profile figures including his nominee for national security adviser U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz and education secretary Linda McMahon, as well as prominent GOP donor Miriam Adelson and attorney Alina Habba, Trump expressed confidence in Johnson's leadership amid internal party criticism.
Trump's endorsement of the H-1B visa program came after a public debate initiated by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, head of the Department of Government Efficiency appointed by Trump. The discussion highlighted divisions within the MAGA movement over immigration policies. Despite criticism from some quarters, including former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, Trump reiterated his backing for the visas.
The gathering not only underscored Trump's forthcoming attendance at Carter’s funeral on January 9 at the Washington National Cathedral but also shed light on his political endorsements and policy positions ahead of significant congressional votes. Former boxing promoter Don King, longtime adviser Roger Stone, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and his wife Heidi, alongside Trump’s children Donald Jr., Eric, and Tiffany were among those present.
Trump refrained from commenting on any communication with Carter’s family following the former president's death at age 100. His declaration of support for Speaker Mike Johnson ahead of crucial House votes signifies an attempt to consolidate party support around key figures and issues as he prepares to enter office.
This announcement comes amidst a backdrop of political maneuvering and showcases Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party as well as his engagement with contentious policy debates. As he steps into Mar-a-Lago with Melania by his side for the new year celebration, these remarks signal strategic alignments and priorities that will likely shape his administration's approach moving forward.
