Former President Donald Trump has voiced his clear discontent with his portrait displayed at the Colorado State Capitol and is demanding action.
Trump is urging Democratic Governor Jared Polis, whom he has labeled as part of the “radical left,” to take down his portrait. It’s currently placed alongside those of other U.S. presidents.
Sharing his displeasure on Truth Social, Trump remarked, “Nobody likes an unflattering picture or painting of themselves.”
An Intentional Misrepresentation?
Throughout his life, Trump has insisted on positive portrayals, often describing himself as “wonderful-looking.” However, the portrait by artist Sarah Boardman hanging in the Colorado State Capitol hasn’t met his standards. Trump argues that the painting was “purposefully distorted,” urging Governor Polis to have it removed.
Trump also expressed his disappointment in Boardman’s work, notably mentioning she had painted former President Barack Obama to good effect.
“Obama looks great, but my portrait is absolutely the worst,” Trump insisted on Truth Social. He further added, “She must have lost her talent as she got older. Honestly, I’d prefer having no picture at all than this one.”
Displayed Since 2019
Trump cites numerous complaints from Colorado residents, who he claims are “angry” about the portrait. He’s acting on their behalf by urging Governor Polis—whom he criticized as “weak on crime”—to take the artwork down.
Interestingly, the portrait has hung in the Capitol since 2019, during Trump’s first term. Yet, it’s only now that he has raised these concerns.
Sarah Boardman, a British-born artist operating in Colorado Springs, has also captured former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama on canvas. In 2019, while unveiling Trump’s portrait, she described it as “thoughtful, neutral, and non-confrontational,” encouraging audiences to view it beyond political implications.
Following Trump’s comments, a spokesperson for Governor Polis shared through Politico that the governor was “surprised to learn that the former president has such a keen interest in our State Capitol and its artwork.” They further remarked on the Capitol building’s historical importance, noting its completion in 1901 and its collection of portraits of past presidents and governors.
“We appreciate the former president’s enthusiasm for our Capitol and always welcome opportunities to enhance the visitor experience,” the spokesperson elaborated.
This recent appeal from Trump stirs conversations around the representation and receptivity of political art, and how it aligns with or diverges from personal and public image expectations.
It’s certainly an intriguing chapter in the ongoing narrative of Donald Trump’s post-presidency life, showcasing a fascinating intersection of art, politics, and public perception at our country’s state capitols.
