Trump talks about situation in Iraq, North Korea, and impeachment at a New Year's Eve bash at Mar-a-Lago
Reuters
President Donald Trump spent New Year's Eve at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
There he spoke to the press about impeachment, the situation at the US Embassy in Baghdad, and North Korea.
His embattled personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani was in attendance for the festivities.
Here are photos from the soiree.
The Trumps arrived at Mar-a-Lago for the festivities
REUTERS/Tom Brenner
US President Donald Trump told reporters he would be happy to have a trial in the US Senate following his impeachment by the Democratic-led House of Representatives, but that he did not really care.
"I don't really care. It doesn't matter. As far as I'm concerned I'd be very happy with a trial because we did nothing wrong," the Republican president told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, reiterating that he considered his impeachment a hoax.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump spoke to the press
Reuters
Trump also spoke about protesters swarming the US Embassy in Baghdad, following Sunday's US airstrikes on Iran-backed militia fighters.
"I think it's been handled very well," he said, according to a pool report. "The Marines came in. We had some great warriors come in and do a fantastic job. And they were there instantaneously, as soon as we heard."
"This will not be a Benghazi," he continued.
He also backed of off previous harsh rhetoric regarding Iran; earlier in the day he tweeted, that Iran would "pay a very BIG PRICE" for damage to the US Embassy.
"I don't think that would be a good idea for Iran," he said according to a pool report. "It wouldn't last very long. Do I want to? No. I want to have peace. I like peace. And Iran should want peace more than anybody."
Trump also discussed North Korea
(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
Earlier in December, a top North Korean diplomat issued a veiled threat saying it was "entirely up to the US what Christmas gift it will select to get," as talks between North Korea and the US have stalled.
On Tuesday, Trump repeated his line that he hoped the "gift" was a "beautiful vase" and reiterated his "very good relationship with Kim Jong Un."
"I think he's a man of his word," Trump said, according to a pool report.
Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani was photographed at Mar-a-Lago
REUTERS/Tom BrennerGiuliani has been under scrutiny for his dealings with Ukraine
(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
Giuliani's shadow diplomacy in Ukraine was brought up in a whistleblower complaint filed by a member of the intelligence community in August of this year.
The whistleblower complaint, which alleged the president used his power for political gain, became the impetus for the House of Representatives to launch an impeachment inquiry.
The House impeachment inquiry unearthed Giuliani's apparent role in a dirt-digging mission in Ukraine and his alleged efforts to pressure the Ukrainian government to announce politically-motivated investigations, including into former Vice President Joe Biden, a political rival, and his son Hunter.
Giuliani has denied any wrongdoing.
The House passed two articles of impeachment — one for obstruction of Congress, and the other for abuse of power — earlier in December.
Also in attendance was Trump's daughter, Tiffany Trump.
(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)And Trump's son Eric and his wife Lara Trump.
(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
His sons Don Jr., and Barron were also at the event, along with his eldest daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner.
(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Writing by Mohammad Zargham; Editing by Kim Coghill)
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