President Donald Trump has once again generated controversy, this time for harshly criticizing the official portrait that hangs in the Gallery of Presidents of the Colorado State Capitol. Through a message posted on his social network Truth Social, the president said that the painting is a “deliberate distortion” and expressed his annoyance at the comparison with the portrait of former President Barack Obama, made by the same artist.
“I would rather not have a portrait than have this one. It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” Trump tweeted on Sunday, March 23, 2025, assuring that many Coloradans are also outraged.
What is so special about it?
The portrait in question of Donald Trump was painted by Sarah Boardman, a local artist who also did paintings of George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
The work was installed in 2019 and funded through a GoFundMe campaign prompted by Republican Kevin J. Grantham, then-state Senate president.
The painting shows Trump with a serious gesture, in dark tones and with a sober background.
Although it meets the standard of the rest of the presidential portraits in the gallery, the current president believes it was done with malice.
Against the Governor of Colorado
Although Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, had no involvement in the making or placement of the portrait, Donald Trump mentioned it in his publication:
“I’m speaking on behalf of the people of Colorado to radical left-wing Governor Jared Polis, to take it back,” Trump added, also criticizing his security management in Denver and Aurora.
It should be noted that presidential portraits in state buildings are traditionally managed by historical and cultural committees, without direct intervention by the governor.
El retrato en cuestión de Donald Trump lo pintó Sarah Boardman
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Political context and symbolism
This new episode occurs in a key year for U.S. politics.
Donald Trump has resumed an active public agenda as he seeks to bolster his image in the conservative community, again appealing to the discourse of “persecution” and antagonism with Democratic figures.
For many U.S. Hispanic voters, especially in states like Colorado, this controversy may seem secondary to more pressing issues. However, it reflects how public image and political symbolism remain key weapons in electoral discourse, especially in states like Colorado, this controversy may seem secondary to more pressing issues.
However, it reflects how public image and political symbolism remain key weapons in electoral discourse.
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