President Donald Trump rang in the New Year at Mar-a-Lago with an unusual twist: playing auctioneer for a painting of Jesus Christ. The artwork ultimately sold for $2.75 million, with all proceeds earmarked for charity.
The bidding opened at $100,000, but things accelerated quickly. When one bidder jumped straight to $1 million, Trump responded with visible surprise: "$1 million, woah!" The bidder, wearing a red MAGA hat, earned Trump's description as "the biggest guy" on Wall Street. Trump joked that the hat helped the man catch "people by surprise before he pumps the money out of their wallets."
As bids climbed to $2 million and then $2.5 million, Trump playfully dismissed these amounts as "peanuts" for his guests. To sweeten the deal, he offered to personally autograph the painting if attendees were willing to bid higher.
The winning bid landed at $2.75 million. The funds will be split between St. Jude's Hospital and the local sheriff's office. The painting was created by Vanessa Horabuena, a Christian worship artist with over 800,000 Instagram followers.
The auction highlights Trump's ongoing ability to rally his network for charitable fundraising. The substantial sum raised demonstrates his supporters' willingness to back causes he endorses, while the choice of beneficiaries reflects his historical support for healthcare institutions and law enforcement.
