Donald Trump welcomed 2026 with a high-profile New Year’s Eve celebration at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The black-tie event drew political figures, donors, and invited guests for an evening that blended entertainment with fundraising. Tickets for the gala were priced at about $1,450 per person, according to reports.

Throughout the night, Trump greeted attendees and addressed the crowd briefly. He framed the celebration as both a social gathering and a charitable effort. As the evening progressed, the focus shifted toward a live art performance that became the centerpiece of the event.

🎨 Live Painting Becomes Auction Highlight

During the celebration, artist Vanessa Horabuena created a large-scale portrait of Jesus Christ live on stage. The performance unfolded in front of guests while music played, and the painting was completed in roughly ten minutes. The live creation added a dramatic element and captured the audience’s attention.

Soon after the painting was finished, Trump introduced it for auction. Bidding opened at $100,000 and moved quickly as attendees competed for the artwork. Ultimately, the Trump Jesus painting auction concluded with a winning bid of $2.75 million, making it one of the evening’s most talked-about moments.

“This is something very special,” Trump told the audience as he presented the artwork, highlighting both the performance and the purpose behind the sale.

💰 Charity Proceeds and Purpose

Trump emphasized that the auction proceeds would support charitable causes. According to details shared at the event, half of the $2.75 million raised from the painting will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The remaining portion is expected to benefit the local sheriff’s department.

By linking the auction to charitable donations, the event positioned the sale as more than entertainment. Instead, it became a major fundraising moment tied directly to the New Year’s celebration. As a result, the auction blended spectacle with philanthropy in a way that aligned with the tone of the evening.

👥 Notable Guests and Remarks

Several prominent figures attended the Mar-a-Lago event. Guests included Rudy Giuliani, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, House Republican Tom Emmer, and television personality Jeanine Pirro. Their presence added political visibility to the celebration.

As midnight approached, Trump shared brief New Year’s remarks. He expressed a wish for “peace on Earth” in 2026 and avoided extended commentary on political issues. Instead, he kept his focus on the celebration and the successful fundraiser.

Overall, the Mar-a-Lago gala continued Trump’s tradition of hosting attention-grabbing New Year’s Eve events. This year, however, the $2.75 million Jesus painting sale ensured the night stood out for both its spectacle and its fundraising impact.