As the clock struck midnight, many Aussies had their way of ringing the new year in.

Even public figures shared their way of welcoming 2025.

However, former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison set social media abuzz after rubbing shoulders with some of the most intriguing figures for the new year.

Often called ScoMo, the former Australian Prime Minister was seen in a glitzy New Year's Eve party with United States' president re-elect Donald Trump.

The event, held at Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, also had the world's richest person, Elon Musk, and soon-to-be vice president JD Vance in attendance.

The social media sphere buzzed with activity when ScoMo shared a photo of himself and his wife Jenny alongside the Trumps.

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (right) with his wife Jenny (left) took a photo with the Trumps. Image Credit: Instagram/Scott Morrison

Another photo showed ScoMo with Trump, giving his signature thumbs up.

'HNY 2025 from Mar-a-Lago,' ScoMo wrote in the caption, likely expecting a flood of well-wishes.

However, the replies were not quite the pat on the back he hoped for.

Retired radio presenter Neil Mitchell led the charge with a pointed critique.

'And that's a positive?' Mitchell asked.

Other social media users also chimed in and expressed their sentiments.

'As a pastor and Christian, what a disappointment to see you celebrating this ungodly man,' one wrote.

'Congratulations on achieving the remarkable feat of being the most despised individual in Australia!' another exclaimed.

'Do yourself a favour—show a shred of dignity and spare the public the misery of seeing your face,' a third commented.

However, it was not all doom and gloom in the comment section.

Some users congratulated Morrison and expressed their support.

'Congratulations, Mr Morrison! We all like you!' one supporter wrote.

Another supporter encouraged him to enjoy the moment despite the critique he received from the photos.

'Good on you. Where is KRudd? Busy packing his bags?' a commenter wrote humorously, referencing the current Australian Ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd.

The gathering at Mar-a-Lago wasn't just about ringing in the new year; it was a convergence of political powerhouses.

Morrison's presence at the event hinted at his potential political comeback after resigning from politics a year prior and joining American Global Strategies (AGS).

The internet's reaction to Morrison's New Year photos should be a reminder of the nature of politics.

As the world watches Trump's second term unfold, all eyes will be on how these relationships evolve and what they mean for Australia and its future.

Key Takeaways

• Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison attended a New Year's Eve party at Mar-a-Lago with United States President re-elect Donald Trump and other notable guests.
• Scott Morrison posted a photo of the event on social media, which led to mixed reactions and backlash from some Australians.
• Despite the criticisms, many still wished Morrison a good year.
• Scott Morrison's relationships with the Trump administration could prove significant as he now works at American Global Strategies.

What do you think of ScoMo's New Year's celebration with the Trumps? Is it a savvy political move or a misstep? What are your thoughts about the criticisms he received online? Share your opinions and insights with us in the comments below.

 

[Knell]

In the course of everyone’s working life, I expect we have all had to “rub shoulders” with all sorts of people, like them personally or not. Is that not normal?

 

[Catherines]

Some of you are so judgemental.

Scott Morrison works for American Global Strategies which I believe is owned by Trump.

Anthony Albonesse did worst by attending Kyle Sanderlands wedding where certain underworld figures attended. He was Prime Minister at the time.

Scott Morrison isn't our Prime Minister , Australia isn't his employer now so it's none of our business where he goes or who he is with !!!

Good on you Suzanne rose. Like your comments. Too many judgements, and on some things I too probably need to bite my tongue.

 

[Daibhin]

Typical right-winger response. No comprehension about how incompetent Morrison was, and how dangerous Trump could prove to be, as most world leaders are aware.

Of course they are, they watch only Murdoch media and read only Murdoch papers that only sell mis/disinformation. The wealthy supporting those they think will make them wealthier yet wouldn't give a cent to help anyone in need, unless there was a kickback in it for them.

 

[Daibhin]

Some of you are so judgemental.

Scott Morrison works for American Global Strategies which I believe is owned by Trump.

Anthony Albonesse did worst by attending Kyle Sanderlands wedding where certain underworld figures attended. He was Prime Minister at the time.

Scott Morrison isn't our Prime Minister , Australia isn't his employer now so it's none of our business where he goes or who he is with !!!

You don't see rubbing shoulders with a criminal who chased the presidency to prevent going to prison, a man known to be a sexual preditor and convicted as such, who openly states that his money(which is far less than he makes it out to be) let's him do whatever he chooses to women, a man whose businesses have been bankrupt several times, a man who admires dictators and aims to be one, who will bend the knee to Putin again, is totally against any Chtistian beliefs and you are okay with that?
Morrison, if he works for Trump, will not be contributing much, he never has in any job, except for what he can get out of it personally.
We're not judgemental, we have our eyes wide open and are not fooled by conmen.

 

[Beverley-May]

I, myself would like to meet with D. Trump. Is there anyway I can?

 

[kevj]

scomo is a friend of trump
so the lefty shit stains get upset
but that doesn't take much

 

[Viellarde]

Well, as China is our largest trading partner, I would think it is very important for our Prime Minister to be on good terms with Xi Jinping...people's livelihoods rely on it.

And Scott Morrison works at American Global Strategies.

 

[Bridgit]

Good luck to him and his wife and family - he did his bit and has moved on - none of our business what he chooses to do now.
Most are just sour because they can't continue to attack him and treat him like shit - he did a good job when he was allowed to and will do a good job in his new endeavours. At least he doesn't have to put up with the concocted vitriol dished out by lame brained Australians!

 

[Tactful]

I am simply disgusted by both the sensationalist article and the derogatory comments.
Scomo is now a private citizen, unless he breaks the law, what he does is of no interest to me.
I am sure each and every protagonist with negative comments would be happy with this level of scrutiny on their private comings and goings.

 

[Jo Piper3]

Some of you are so judgemental.

Scott Morrison works for American Global Strategies which I believe is owned by Trump.

Anthony Albonesse did worst by attending Kyle Sanderlands wedding where certain underworld figures attended. He was Prime Minister at the time.

Scott Morrison isn't our Prime Minister , Australia isn't his employer now so it's none of our business where he goes or who he is with !!!

Agree that it's none of our business

 

[Suzanne rose]

You don't see rubbing shoulders with a criminal who chased the presidency to prevent going to prison, a man known to be a sexual preditor and convicted as such, who openly states that his money(which is far less than he makes it out to be) let's him do whatever he chooses to women, a man whose businesses have been bankrupt several times, a man who admires dictators and aims to be one, who will bend the knee to Putin again, is totally against any Chtistian beliefs and you are okay with that?
Morrison, if he works for Trump, will not be contributing much, he never has in any job, except for what he can get out of it personally.
We're not judgemental, we have our eyes wide open and are not fooled by conmen.

We are talking about Scott Morrison, looks like you are talking about Trump.

Again you are being very judgemental when it comes to Scott Morrison. He has done nothing wrong.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Good on you Suzanne rose. Like your comments. Too many judgements, and on some things I too probably need to bite my tongue.

We at times all judge but comments have gone beyond a little .

 

[Suzanne rose]

In the course of everyone’s working life, I expect we have all had to “rub shoulders” with all sorts of people, like them personally or not. Is that not normal?

Well said in my previous job there definitely were people I didn't want to help but it was part of my job and I sucked it up and with a smile

 

[GrannyJA!]

I reckon Scummo should move there permanently. Nobody should ever forget the harm he has done to Australia and Australians. Please also consider that a lot of the 'shoulder rubbing' by Albo, especially in the case of China, is undoing the damage done by the previous government. Look at the amount of trade that has opened back up thanks to his efforts.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Guess Scomo wasn't on your Xmas Card list.

 

[Zorro56]

Did he ask Jenny if he was allowed to first???? What a wanker this man is.

 

[Beak]

Albo rubs shoulders with Xi and ScoMo rubs shoulders with Trump. At least Trump isn't in the country trying to take us down. I'll pass on Xi and take Trump.

Well I differ with the comment about Trump isn't trying to take us down, Trump is trying to rule the world by taking down countries that don't agree with his ideas. So if he Takes down xi he will be taking down Australian businesses big and small. I don't give a shut about old stupid ex pollies and there party that destroyed the lives of the people of Australia that why I'm voting for Labor so they can continue to fix the damage that scomo & his colleagues did in 9 years while in government.

 

[Beak]

There is no doubt that ScoMo despite some inadequacies is smarter and far better than Albo. The relentless attacking by the left wing media in Australia which, means just about every outlet, have created a false image of the real ScoMo (but maybe because he is religious and the Media hates that).
Yes so these critics of Trump line up every time they see him in any form. I suppose they prefer a senile , do nothing President who prefers to sit at home whilst his wife plays the role of a pseudo president.
Trump will prove everyone wrong I have little doubt.

 

[Viellarde]

I am simply disgusted by both the sensationalist article and the derogatory comments.
Scomo is now a private citizen, unless he breaks the law, what he does is of no interest to me.
I am sure each and every protagonist with negative comments would be happy with this level of scrutiny on their private comings and goings.

Well said.

 

[Jany]

It’s a real shame people don’t make time to dig deep & really find true information about Trump. Stop reading the fake news & false stories & why there are false stories. If you really dug deep you’d find out so much nasty stuff on many other past USA presidents & wannabe presidents. I think you’d get a lot of surprises!!!! & disappointments.