Billionaire bids $1M on a painting at Trump’s party. The president’s response? Humiliating him in front of everyone

President Donald Trump held a fancy New Year’s Eve party at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. During the event, he sold a newly painted portrait of Jesus Christ for $2.75 million. The painting was created by artist Vanessa Horabuena.

According to HuffPost, before the final price was reached, Trump made fun of someone who offered $1 million for the painting. The person was described as a major Wall Street figure. “He’s the biggest guy on Wall Street, so that’s peanuts,” the president said. “Don’t let that red hat fool you. He wears that so that he sort of takes people by surprise before he pumps the money out of their wallets.”

As more people placed bids, Trump promised to sign the painting for whoever paid the most. He said the money raised would go to St. Jude’s Hospital and the local sheriff’s office. When someone finally bid $2.75 million, Trump invited him on stage and joked about whether the man could afford it without going bankrupt.

Trump praised the artist and hosted his usual holiday event

Trump called Horabuena “one of the greatest” artists in the world. She describes herself as a “Christian Worship Artist.” Trump said she can paint beautiful portraits slowly for the White House or create amazing paintings in just 10 minutes.

“She can paint, slowly, a beautiful portrait for the White House, or she can paint the most incredible painting in literally 10 minutes,” he said. 

Trump has thrown New Year’s Eve parties at Mar-a-Lago for many years. The estate has faced controversy in the past, with shocking allegations about teenage workers that have raised serious questions about labor practices at the property.

This year’s guests included former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and filmmaker Brett Ratner, who made the upcoming documentary “Melania” about first lady Melania Trump.

The party happened while some Republicans are worried about the upcoming midterm elections in November. Many voters say Trump’s handling of the economy is a major concern for them. Adding to the troubled history of the estate, former staff revealing troubling warnings have emerged over the years about various operational issues at Mar-a-Lago.

GOP strategist Karl Rove wrote in The Wall Street Journal that Trump might be using a losing strategy. He said people are getting tired of Trump’s exaggerations and focus on revenge. Rove also said voters get angry when presidents promise too much but deliver too little, and they show that anger when they vote.