Donald Trump auctions off painting of Jesus, then offers to sign it
As Americans continue to express concern about the rising cost of living, President Donald Trump rang in the new year with lavish style and a touch of sarcasm.
Trump hosted a glitzy New Year’s Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, during which he auctioned off a newly painted portrait of Jesus Christ by artist Vanessa Horabuena for a staggering $2.75 million.
Before reaching that price, another equally amazing offer was teased.
“He’s the biggest man on Wall Street, so that’s nonsense,” the president said of an attendee who offered a $1 million bid, as seen in Newsmax footage of the event. “Don’t let that red hat fool you. He uses it to take people by surprise before taking the money out of their wallets.”
As the bidding continued, Trump pledged to sign the painting for anyone who offered a larger sum. Proceeds from the sale, he said, would go to St. Jude Hospital and the local sheriff’s office.
After a partygoer offered him $2.75 million, Trump welcomed him on stage while joking that the man shouldn’t make the winning bid if it would force him to file for bankruptcy in the morning.
SOLD: President Trump leads charity auction during Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve party.
The auction winner offers $2.75 million for a portrait of Jesus. pic.twitter.com/TmtU5DfqeE
– News (@NewsNews) January 1, 2026
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SOLD: President Trump leads charity auction during Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve party.
The auction winner offers $2.75 million for a portrait of Jesus. pic.twitter.com/TmtU5DfqeE
– News (@NewsNews) January 1, 2026
Trump also praised Horabuena, who describes herself as a “Christian worship artist,” as “one of the greatest” in the world.
“You can paint, slowly, a beautiful portrait for the White House, or you can paint the most incredible painting in literally 10 minutes,” he said, according to The Guardian.
Trump has hosted New Year’s Eve parties at Mar-a-Lago for years. Reportedly among those attending Wednesday night were former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and filmmaker Brett Ratner, who directed the upcoming documentary “Melania” about first lady Melania Trump.
The event comes as prominent Republicans have raised concerns in November about this year’s midterm elections. Trump’s handling of the economy has been cited as a top issue among many voters.
In an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal published Monday, veteran Republican strategist Karl Rove suggested that Trump was tied to a losing strategy.
“There are signs that the public is growing tired of his hyperbole and insatiable desire for revenge,” he wrote. “Increasingly, they may only hear the offensive or cruel things you say.”
He went on to note: “Presidents do better when they under-promise and over-deliver. The opposite (over-promising and under-delivering) infuriates voters. They often take out their anger at the ballot box.”
Joe Raedle via Getty Images