New Year 2026 was welcomed by Sydney with a spectacular fireworks display held under heightened security, following a deadly attack that shocked the city weeks earlier. Countdown organisers paused celebrations for a moment of silence to honour the victims, with the Harbour Bridge lit in white and symbols of unity projected across the skyline.    

President Donald Trump sparked headlines during the annual NORAD Tracks Santa event after joking with children about a “bad Santa” infiltrating the United States and suggesting “clean, beautiful coal” might not be such a bad Christmas gift. Calling in from Mar-a-Lago alongside First Lady Melania Trump, the president mixed holiday cheer with sharp political undertones, referencing energy policy, national security, and familiar talking points. Moments after the festive calls, Trump returned to Truth Social with criticism of political enemies, once again blending Christmas tradition with controversy.