Trump criticizes and has portrait removed from Colorado State Capitol

Kumar Shivam | Mar 26, 2025, 00:02 IST

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A portrait of President Donald Trump, which had been displayed in the Colorado State Capitol since 2019, was removed following Trump's criticism of its appearance. Trump took to social media to complain about the painting, calling it "distorted" and blaming Governor Jared Polis, despite the portrait being commissioned by Republican lawmakers. The removal was ordered by the General Assembly's Executive Committee, with bipartisan support.

President Donald Trump publicly criticized his official portrait at the Colorado State Capitol, calling it "purposefully distorted" in a Truth Social post. Despite having been on display for six years, Trump suddenly took issue with the painting, blaming Governor Jared Polis for its appearance. However, the portrait was actually commissioned and unveiled by Colorado Republicans in 2019.

Portrait removed following Trump’s complaints

In response to Trump’s social media post, the Executive Committee of the General Assembly, with support from both parties, ordered the removal of the portrait. The directive stated that the painting would be stored in a “secure and appropriate location” until further notice. Republican Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen confirmed the decision, saying he wanted to replace the portrait with one that more accurately reflects Trump's likeness.

Reaction from officials and the public

Colorado House Democrats downplayed the significance of the removal, stating that their focus remains on governance rather than portraits. Meanwhile, former Republican state senator Kevin Grantham, who originally fundraised for the painting, expressed surprise at Trump’s sudden disdain for it, recalling that the 2019 unveiling was met with enthusiasm.

Artist and historical context

The portrait, painted by Sarah A. Boardman, was part of a long-standing tradition of displaying presidential portraits in the Capitol. Boardman, who also painted Barack Obama’s portrait, had aimed for a neutral and historical representation. She faced unexpected criticism from Trump, who suggested her artistic talent had declined. The removal of Trump’s portrait marks a unique departure from the tradition of maintaining presidential paintings in the Capitol.