President Trump auctions live-painted portrait for charity before Netanyahu, MAGA supporters, and high-profile guests at Palm Beach black-tie event.
President Donald Trump rang in 2026 at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, by presiding over a high-profile charity auction, selling a live-painted portrait of Jesus Christ for $2.75 million. The proceeds are slated to benefit St. Jude’s Hospital and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
The painting was created in roughly 10 minutes by Christian worship artist and social media personality Vanessa Horabuena, who performed before an audience in the Donald J. Trump Grand Ballroom. Trump praised Horabuena, calling her “one of the greatest living artists” and highlighting her speed-painting technique as he introduced her to the gala crowd. Tickets to the event reportedly cost $1,450 per guest.
Trump opened bidding at $100,000 and playfully engaged bidders throughout the auction. After teasing a Wall Street participant about the relative size of his offer, the bidding ultimately reached $2.75 million. Trump invited the winning bidder to the stage, joking about the possibility of bankruptcy while highlighting the generosity of attendees.
First Lady Melania Trump attended in a silver, floor-length gown, joining a guest list that included Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro, Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, and filmmaker Brett Ratner.
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Earlier in the evening, Trump addressed the crowd with remarks on domestic and international topics, criticizing Minnesota Democratic leadership over alleged election fraud, touting his reciprocal tariffs program, and declaring his New Year’s resolution to achieve “world peace.” He avoided questions about U.S. military actions in Venezuela and ongoing negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over Russia’s invasion, according to The Palm Beach Post.
The President also remained active on Truth Social during the day, discussing issues ranging from a supposed exodus from California and Colorado to border security, insurance companies, George Clooney’s French citizenship, and plans to withdraw National Guard troops from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland. He warned that crime could surge in those cities, saying, “We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form… Only a question of time!”
The Mar-a-Lago gala highlighted Trump’s continued influence among MAGA supporters and high-profile political and business figures, blending entertainment, fundraising, and political messaging as the new year began.