Former President Donald Trump has once again sparked controversy by demanding the removal of his presidential portrait from the Colorado State Capitol, describing it as "deliberately distorted" and declaring it "perhaps the worst painting" of him he's ever seen. In a post on Truth Social, Trump harshly criticized both the artwork and its creator, artist Sarah A. Boardman, who also painted Barack Obama's official portrait for the same location.
"The artist also did President Obama, and he looks fantastic, but mine is truly the worst. She must have lost her touch with age," Trump asserted. He also took the opportunity to lash out at Colorado's Democratic Governor, Jared Polis, labeling him a "radical left governor" and "extremely weak on crime." "Jared should be ashamed of himself!" Trump exclaimed.
The Background of the Controversial Portrait
The uproar over Trump's portrait is not a recent development. Back in 2018, the organization known as Colorado Citizens for Culture, responsible for funding presidential portraits in the state Capitol through private donations, had not raised enough money to commission Trump's official painting. According to DW, the lack of support made headlines when an activist placed a fake portrait of Vladimir Putin in the empty space, provoking a strong reaction among Republican circles.
This incident prompted then-state Senate President Kevin Grantham to start a GoFundMe campaign, successfully collecting the needed $10,000 in just 32 hours. British-born artist Sarah A. Boardman, who resides in Colorado Springs, was chosen to create the portrait, which took her about four months to complete. The artwork was based on a photograph approved by the Capitol Building Advisory Committee and was unveiled in August 2019.
Boardman defended her piece by stating that she aimed to maintain a realistic and neutral style, similar to other presidential portraits. "My portrait of President Trump has been described as contemplative, not confrontational, not angry, not happy, not a tweeter," she commented in an interview with Time magazine.
In a discussion with the Colorado Times Reporter, she also mentioned that her personal politics do not influence her art: "When I start painting a portrait, it's the portrait, the likeness, and the 'essence' of the subject that I aim to capture. Any personal feelings about any issue are irrelevant."
For now, the portrait remains on display at the state Capitol, part of the presidential gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trump's Portrait Controversy
Why did Trump criticize his portrait at the Colorado Capitol?
Trump criticized his portrait because he felt it was "deliberately distorted" and claimed it was the worst painting of himself he had ever seen.
Who painted Trump's portrait at the Colorado Capitol?
The portrait was painted by Sarah A. Boardman, a British-born artist residing in Colorado Springs.
What was the reaction to the lack of funding for Trump's portrait?
The lack of funding led to a notable incident where an activist placed a fake portrait of Vladimir Putin in the empty space, sparking a strong reaction among Republicans.