President Donald Trump auctioned a portrait of Jesus Christ for $2.75 million at his Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eve gala in Palm Beach, Florida, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude's Hospital and the local sheriff's office.
The painting was created live in approximately 10 minutes by 'Christian worship artist' Vanessa Horabuena, whom Trump introduced as 'one of the greatest artists anywhere in the world.' Opening the bidding at $100,000, Trump quickly accepted a $1 million offer, joking that the bidder — a Wall Street figure — was 'loaded with cash' and that the amount was 'peanuts' to him.
As rival bids pushed the price to $2.5 million, Trump pretended to mishear, asking '$5 million or $2.5 million?' The portrait eventually sold for $2.75 million, with the president inviting the winner on stage while teasing about the possibility of bankruptcy.
Guests at the black-tie event included Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and other dignitaries. First Lady Melania Trump wore a silver, floor-length gown.
Earlier in the evening, Trump attacked Minnesota Democrats over alleged fraud, boasted about his tariff policies, and declared his New Year's resolution as 'world peace.' However, he avoided questions on US actions in Venezuela and Ukraine negotiations.
