On New Year's Eve, Donald Trump held a celebration at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, where he auctioned a live-painted portrait of Jesus Christ by artist Vanessa Horabuena for $2.75 million. The auction commenced with a starting bid of $100,000, and Trump noted that half of the proceeds would support St. Jude's Children's Hospital, while the other half would go to the local sheriff's department.

The event drew notable attendees, including former adviser Rudy Giuliani, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani. Tickets for the gala were priced at $1,450. During the auction, Trump humorously commented on the financial capabilities of the attendees and pledged to sign the painting for the highest bidder.

Trump expressed a desire for "peace on Earth" during the event, amidst inquiries regarding a reported CIA-directed strike in Venezuela. This New Year's celebration is part of a longstanding tradition for Trump, dating back at least two decades.

In addition to the auction, Trump engaged in discussions on social media, criticizing various political figures and alleging significant electoral fraud in states such as California and New York. He framed these claims as a major issue for his administration moving forward. The event occurred against a backdrop of concerns among Republicans regarding the upcoming midterm elections, with economic management being a significant factor influencing voter sentiment. GOP strategist Karl Rove recently cautioned that the public may be growing weary of Trump's rhetoric, suggesting that overpromising could lead to voter dissatisfaction.