US President Donald Trump welcomed 2026 with a unique spectacle at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida — a live painting of Jesus Christ created onstage and auctioned for charity during his high-profile New Year’s Eve celebration.
“I want to just do something very special,” Trump told guests as the event began, describing the performance as “very different.”
The artwork, produced in real-time by Christian worship artist Vanessa Horabuena, became the centerpiece of the evening. Using a huge black canvas, Horabuena created the picture of Christ and the music of worship was present, while the people, among them the First Lady Melania Trump, were staring intently. Changed in less than ten minutes, the painting got a resounding applause as a reward. Trump praised Horabuena as “one of the greatest living artists” and highlighted her speed and talent.
Following the live performance, Trump auctioned the still-wet portrait to the highest bidder, pledging that proceeds would go to charity. Bidding opened at $100,000 and rapidly climbed, ultimately closing at $2.75 million, with funds shared between St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a local sheriff’s department. Trump also offered to personally sign the artwork, encouraging higher bids.
Horabuena, who has previously painted Trump for the Liberty Inauguration Ball and whose portrait of him has appeared as his phone screensaver, described the New Year’s Eve performance as spiritually significant. In a Facebook video, she remarked about Trump’s great interest in her artistic activities and the bond created between them through the painting done live.
The private Mar-a-Lago event had very important and well-known people as guests: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump’s relatives, top government officials, and executives from various industries. Besides, the audience was served dinner, music, fireworks, and the thrilling experience of the live auction all under strict security. Trump had told reporters earlier in the night that his resolution for 2026 was “Peace on Earth”.
