PALM BEACH, FL — On December 31, 2025, as the country counted down to 2026, Donald Trump hosted a New Year’s Eve charity auction at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Artist Vanessa Horabuena painted a portrait of Jesus of Nazareth live on the spot, fueling a spirited bidding war that culminated in a final bid of $2.75 million. The winning purse was pledged to charity, though the beneficiaries were not disclosed in the reporting.
Horabuena’s on-the-spot speed painting drew a lively crowd of attendees and donors, with Trump standing beside the artist as he entertained guests with his distinctive bidding style. The event was billed as a festive fundraiser to support charitable causes associated with the evening’s gathering.
Bidding opened at one million dollars and quickly surged to two million, drawing quips from the auctioneer and the room. Trump teased the crowd with remarks like, “Any other bids? $2.5 million! Going once?,” before signaling the next round of offers. As the pace intensified, a bid of $2.5 million was met with playful banter about the possibility of higher offers, and the president reminded the room that the charity proceeds would be allocated accordingly. The final bid reached $2.75 million, and the winner was invited on stage to seal the donation.
Inside the ballroom, Trump—dressed in a tuxedo with the first lady by his side—spoke to reporters and the assembled guests, signaling a moment of generosity amid a high-profile celebration. Barron Trump and other members of Trump’s circle were among the attendees at the Palm Beach venue for the evening’s events. The charity draw underscored a festive night of philanthropy at a landmark estate, combining live art, a political figure, and a national audience in one headline-making moment.