A live-created painting of Jesus Christ raised $2.75 million during a high-profile charity auction at Donald Trump's New Year's Eve celebration at Mar-a-Lago, drawing widespread attention across faith, art, and political circles.
The artwork was painted onstage during the Dec. 31 event by Christian worship artist Vanessa Horabuena, who completed the piece in real time as worship music played for the gathered audience. Following the performance, President Trump personally led the auction, encouraging bids from attendees in the packed ballroom.
Bidding for the painting escalated rapidly, ultimately closing at $2.75 million, one of the most talked-about moments of the evening. According to event organizers, proceeds from the auction are designated for charitable causes, including St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, with additional funds benefiting local law-enforcement initiatives.
The New Year's Eve gala at Mar-a-Lago attracted a wide range of guests from politics, business, and media, with the live painting and auction serving as a centerpiece of the night's program. Videos and images from the event quickly circulated online, sparking discussion about the intersection of faith, art, philanthropy, and public life.
The multimillion-dollar sale underscores both the continued cultural resonance of Christian imagery and the significant fundraising power of high-visibility charity events tied to prominent public figures.
