US President Donald Trump welcomed the New Year at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida with an unusual centrepiece — a live painting of Jesus Christ created onstage and later auctioned for charity before a high-profile audience.
The moment unfolded during a black-tie New Year’s Eve celebration hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Donald J. Trump Grand Ballroom. As guests watched, Christian worship artist Vanessa Horabuena painted a portrait of Jesus on a large black canvas in real time, accompanied by worship music.
Painting becomes focal point of the evening
“I want to just do something very special. This is very different,” Trump told guests as the performance began. Working rapidly, Horabuena completed the painting in about ten minutes, drawing applause from the audience as the finished image was revealed.
Trump praised the artist as “one of the greatest living artists” and highlighted her ability to produce a completed work at remarkable speed. Horabuena later said she had painted in front of Trump earlier in the week, and that he personally requested the New Year’s Eve performance.
Artwork raises millions for charity
Following the live performance, Trump stepped forward to auction the still-wet painting, announcing that the proceeds would go to charity. He encouraged bidding by offering to personally sign the artwork and joking that many in the room were “loaded with cash,” according to CNN.
The bidding opened at $100,000 and climbed steadily before closing at $2.75 million. Trump announced that the funds would be split between St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a local sheriff’s department.
High-profile guests attend Mar-a-Lago celebration
The annual Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve event, often referred to as Trump’s “Winter White House” gathering, was attended by members of the Trump family, senior administration officials, business leaders and international guests. Among those present were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara.
Guests in tuxedos and evening gowns celebrated under heightened security with dinner, music and fireworks. Earlier in the evening, Trump briefly told reporters that his resolution for the coming year was “peace on Earth”.