Trump Hosts Controversial New Year's Eve Bash at Mar-a-Lago, Auctions Jesus Painting for $2.75M

Former president's lavish party features live art auction, celebrity guests, and political rhetoric.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:13am

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A dynamic, fragmented painting in shades of red, white, and blue depicting political symbols like a gavel and podium, conveying the chaotic and divisive nature of the event.The lavish Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eve party hosted by former President Trump featured a controversial art auction and political rhetoric, sparking debate and controversy.Palm Beach Today

As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve 2026, former President Donald Trump hosted a lavish party at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The highlight of the evening was an auction where Trump put up for sale a freshly painted portrait of Jesus Christ, created live on stage by artist Vanessa Horabuena. The painting sold for an astonishing $2.75 million, with the proceeds promised to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the local sheriff's department. The gala was attended by a who's who of politics and entertainment, including former advisor Rudy Giuliani, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his wife, Sara.

Why it matters

Trump's Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eve party has become a tradition, but this year's event, with its unique auction and bold political statements, has sparked controversy and debate. The auction of the Jesus painting and Trump's social media activity leading up to the party, which included calling the Governor of Colorado a 'scumbag' and hinting at potential investigations into social services fraud, have added a layer of complexity to the festivities.

The details

During the auction, Trump praised artist Vanessa Horabuena's talent, calling her 'one of the greatest artists in the world.' The painting, which Trump set the starting bid at $100,000, ultimately sold for $2.75 million to a woman wearing a top hat. The gala was attended by a number of high-profile guests, including former advisor Rudy Giuliani, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his wife, Sara.

  • As the clock struck midnight, signaling the start of 2026, the party took place.
  • Trump's social media activity leading up to the party occurred in the days and weeks prior.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who hosted the controversial New Year's Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Vanessa Horabuena

The artist who created the live portrait of Jesus Christ that was auctioned off for $2.75 million at the party.

Rudy Giuliani

Former advisor to Donald Trump who attended the party.

Kristi Noem

Homeland Security Secretary who attended the party.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister of Israel who attended the party with his wife, Sara.

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What they’re saying

“She can create a beautiful portrait in mere minutes, a true testament to her skill.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“Can you imagine they stole $18 billion? Just the tip of the iceberg. California, Illinois, and New York - they're all worse.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

What’s next

The controversy surrounding Trump's New Year's Eve party and his social media activity leading up to the event is likely to continue, with potential investigations into alleged fraud and further political drama in the year ahead.

The takeaway

Trump's Mar-a-Lago New Year's Eve party has become a tradition, but this year's event, with its unique auction and bold political statements, has sparked controversy and debate. The auction of the Jesus painting and Trump's social media activity leading up to the party have added a layer of complexity to the festivities, raising questions about the appropriateness of such a spectacle and the potential for further political drama in the year ahead.