Donald Trump kicked off the new year with a lavish celebration at his Mar-a-Lago estate, where he auctioned off a recently completed portrait of Jesus Christ for a staggering $2.75 million. The auction, which took place during a glitzy bash, was a unique way to ring in 2026, with Trump expressing his hope for "peace on Earth" as the new year began. The artist, Vanessa Horabuena, was praised by the former president as one of the "greatest artists anywhere in the world", highlighting her ability to create stunning pieces in a remarkably short time. Trump's enthusiasm for the painting was evident, as he opened the bidding at $100,000 and expressed his admiration for Horabuena's talent. The auction was a star-studded affair, attended by notable figures such as Rudy Giuliani, Kristi Noem, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, amidst the festivities, Trump's comments about social services fraud in Minnesota and his criticism of Democratic governors sparked controversy, leaving many to wonder about the true intentions behind his "peace on Earth" wish.
