Trump angry about portrait, demands Colorado remove it

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Former President Trump expressed strong disapproval of his official portrait displayed in the Colorado State Capitol, demanding its removal and criticizing both the artwork and Democratic Governor Jared Polis.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump voiced his frustration about the portrait, which has been on display for over five years alongside other presidential artwork. He alleged the painting was intentionally unflattering, claiming it showed him in what he described as an unprecedented level of distortion.

The former president drew comparisons between his portrait and that of Barack Obama, both created by the same artist. “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,” Trump raged.

Donald Trump is furious about a portrait of him hanging in Colorado’s State Capitol, calling it 'the worst' and claiming it 'was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before.'

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Trump is such a petty, insecure baby. pic.twitter.com/M0Zk1X1LdI

— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) March 24, 2025

Colorado Springs artist Sarah Boardman, who created both presidential portraits, had previously emphasized her commitment to political neutrality in her work. When the portrait was unveiled in 2019, she explained her artistic approach to the Denver Post, stating, “In today’s environment it’s all very upfront, but in another five, 10, 15 years he will be another president on the wall. And he needs to look neutral.”

The portrait, funded through efforts by former Republican senate president Kevin Grantham, has become a source of controversy. Trump claimed Colorado residents have voiced complaints about the artwork and insisted Governor Polis should address these concerns.

In his social media post, Trump also criticized Polis’s leadership, particularly regarding public safety and the handling of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in Aurora. “Jared should be ashamed of himself!” Trump declared.

Trump Blasts His Portrait in Colorado’s Capitol: “Truly the Worst”
Trump slams the portrait, calling it "purposefully distorted" and claiming the artist "must have lost her talent" over time.
He points out that Obama’s portrait looks great, while his is the worst he’s ever seen pic.twitter.com/Sf7oBN67mM

— AugustinBrian🇺🇸 (@AugustinBrian3) March 24, 2025

Governor Polis responded to the criticism through a spokesperson, who told 9 News, “Gov. Polis was surprised to learn the President of the United States is an aficionado of our Colorado State Capitol and its artwork. The State Capitol was completed in 1901, and features Rose Onyx and White Yule Marble mined in Colorado, and includes portraits of former Presidents and former governors. We appreciate the President and everyone’s interest in our capitol building and are always looking for any opportunity to improve our visitor experience.”