Trump Demands Removal Of 'Distorted' Portrait From Colorado Capitol

In a surprising move on March 24, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly demanded the removal of his portrait from the Colorado Capitol. This request was made through a post on Truth Social, where Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the way he was depicted, stating the portrait was 'intentionally distorted' to a degree he claimed he had never seen before. This portrait, which was installed in 2019, has become a focal point for controversy and discussion.

Situated on the third floor of the Capitol, the portrait of Trump hangs alongside those of other political leaders, portraying a collection that showcases the state's history and its elected officials. However, Trump's disdain for his image was evident in his post where he remarked, 'No one likes their own 'unattractive' portraits or photographs.' He highlighted that while the artist, Sarah Boardman, painted President Barack Obama with considerable skill, his own portrait was contemptibly rendered. 'The artist painted President Obama, and he looks significant, but my portrait is the worst of all,' Trump indicated.

Thoroughly disappointed and adamant about the removal, Trump continued, 'Many people from Colorado called and wrote with complaints. They are actually outraged!' His reaction swiftly drew attention not just for its content but also for the implications of how an ex-president interacts with state governance.

Trump's comments lay blame on Colorado's Democratic Governor Jared Polis, which adds a layer of political friction to the scenario. He labeled Polis as a 'left-wing radical' and accused him of incompetence, suggesting, 'Jared should be ashamed!' In noting this political tension, Trump's demand comes at a time when public perception and political narratives are more critical than ever.

The portrait, which was financed through a crowdfunding campaign initiated by a local Republican politician, was hung in the Capitol as part of the state's ongoing commitment to recognizing its history through the arts. Many regard such collections as a reflection of civic pride, but as this incident demonstrates, the representation of political figures can evoke strong reactions.

Artist Sarah Boardman, who painted both the portraits of Trump and Obama, was presumably following the established style of her predecessor, artist Lawrence Williams. Boardman's work on Trump's portrait was approved by the Capitol building's consultative council, lending credibility to the installation of the artwork. Nevertheless, in light of Trump's vehement public reaction, the council may need to reconsider the standards of portrayal for future portraits.

This controversy isn't the first such instance involving art at the Colorado Capitol. In a strikingly political highlight, a year before Trump's portrait was unveiled, Democratic activists displayed a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin within the same walls, creating a tableau of artistic and political juxtaposition that resonates with current U.S.-Russia relations.

In a rather fascinating twist to this narrative, Stephen Whitcoff, a special envoy from the U.S., revealed on March 22 that Vladimir Putin had commissioned a portrait of Trump from a leading Russian artist, which was presented as a personal gift to the former president. Although details remain murky regarding the artist's identity and the precise nature of the gift, it evidently shows the complex interconnections existing within global political art.

As the fallout from Trump's critique of his portrait continues, the reaction from citizens in Colorado echoes his sentiments regarding political artistry. Many are questioning the established practices of representation within the state's Capitol, igniting debates about fairness, accuracy, and the broader implications of how political leaders are featured.

This dynamic encapsulates a scene where art and politics intertwine, reflecting more than just aesthetic concerns but the deeper issues at play regarding identity and public perception. The outcome of Trump's demands could influence future artistic endeavors in government spaces, shaping how history is narrated through visual media.

In conclusion, Trump's demand to remove his portrait from the Colorado Capitol brings light to the ongoing debates surrounding representation and artistry in politics. His remarks reveal not just personal grievance but also open up questions about the integrity of political art and its resonance among constituents. As the situation evolves, it will be intriguing to see how the Colorado government responds and what it might mean for the future of political portrayals within the state's hallways.