In Denver, a painting of former President Donald Trump displayed alongside other presidential portraits at the Colorado state Capitol is set to be removed. The decision follows Trump’s remarks alleging his portrait was “purposefully distorted.” This development was confirmed in a letter obtained by officials.
House Democrats announced the decision to take down the oil painting at the request of Republican lawmakers. This portrait, commissioned through over $10,000 raised by Colorado Republicans via a GoFundMe campaign, was originally revealed in 2019.
Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Republican, requested the removal of Trump’s portrait with the aim of replacing it with one that reflects a “contemporary likeness.” Responding to this, Democrats remarked, “If the GOP wants to spend time and money on which portrait of Trump hangs in the Capitol, then that’s up to them.”
Before its installation, a humorous twist occurred when a prankster placed a photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin near the space destined for Trump. There was initial backlash surrounding artist Sarah Boardman’s depiction of Trump, which was criticized for portraying him as “nonconfrontational” and “thoughtful.” Boardman’s comments in an interview at the time revealed her intention for an apolitical portrayal.
Meanwhile, on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed his preference for having no picture displayed rather than the current one at the Colorado Capitol. He praised a nearby portrait of former President Barack Obama, also created by Boardman, stating, “he looks wonderful.” Trump commented on the painting, stating, “Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado, in the state Capitol, put up by the Governor, along with all other Presidents, was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before.”
In reality, the portraits’ placement is not the governor’s responsibility but falls under the Colorado Building Advisory Committee. Portraits ranging up to Jimmy Carter were donated as a set, while others have been provided by political groups or through external fundraising.
The legislative body’s executive committee, comprising leaders from both parties, authorized Trump’s portrait removal. Lundeen, noting historical precedence, pointed to Grover Cleveland, whose separate presidential terms also merited distinct portraits.
Boardman did not reply immediately for comment. In past interviews, the artist emphasized a desire to maintain neutrality in her depictions of both Obama and Trump, saying, “There will always be dissent, so pleasing one group will always inflame another. I consider a neutrally thoughtful, and nonconfrontational, portrait allows everyone to reach their own conclusions in their own time.”
Trump’s statements on Sunday night spurred increased interest as visitors flocked to take photos with the portrait ahead of its planned removal.
During a visit from Wyoming, Aaron Howe stood before Trump’s portrait, comparing it with photos on his phone. His take? “Honestly he looks a little chubby,” but acknowledged the artist’s better skill than his own. “I don’t know anything about the artist,” admitted Howe, a Trump voter. “It could be taken one way or the other.”
Similarly, an 18-year-old Trump supporter from Arkansas, Kaylee Williamson, captured her visit with a snapshot beside the portrait. “I think it looks like him. I guess he’s smoother than all the other ones,” she observed. “I think it’s fine.”