January 16 2026, 08:15 
“Why is Donald Trump hosting a FURRY PARTY???” asked California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) after seeing pictures of dancers wearing dog heads and aristocratic costumes at the American Humane Society’s 15th Annual Hero Dog Awards Gala, held January 9 at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
The event was a fundraiser for dogs that work with law enforcement, the military, and as disability service animals. But it also featured dancers in ball gowns and embroidered coats reminiscent of clothing worn by 18th-century European aristocrats.
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Trump apparently spoke at the event, bragging to the audience about stealing oil and kidnapping Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during Trump’s recent invasion of Venezuela. While Trump proudly proclaimed to the cheering audience that no U.S. military members were killed during the invasion, an estimated 80 Venezuelan security forces and civilians were killed during the incursion.
Online commenters mocked the event, especially for having an aristocratic theme, while food prices for most Americans have risen, and inflation rose 2.7% in December. Similar criticisms were made of Trump’s Great Gatsby-themed Halloween party, held just hours before millions of Americans lost their food and nutritional assistance benefits.
Commenters also noted the irony of a Trump-owned venue holding a party for “furries” when Republicans nationwide have spewed fear-mongering lies about student “furries” demanding to use litter boxes at public schools. While no such thing has ever actually occurred at any school in the U.S., Republicans repeat the lies to discredit public schools and students who self-identify as transgender.
However, Trump’s Mar-a-Lago venue is available to rent by anyone, so while Trump merely hosted the party, the Humane Society is the organization that chose the theme.
Checking in on Mar-a-Lago https://t.co/ofS0Lm6r4G pic.twitter.com/9vy1fZBnuL
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) January 15, 2026
Speaking to Good Morning America late last year, American Humane Society President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert explained that the annual honor of “Hero Dog” is bestowed on dogs nominated and voted upon by Americans.
“We thank everyone for loving those incredible canine heros who make our communities kinder and safer,” Ganzert said. “It’s all about a celebration of unconditional love.”
The winner of last year’s Hero Dog honor was Sergeant Bo, a four-year-old mixed-breed dog that brings joy to students at local schools.
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