Trump portrait to be removed from Colorado capitol after president criticized it
President Donald Trump’s portrait, which he claims was “purposefully distorted,” will be removed from the Colorado Capitol, according to officials. The oil painting, created by artist Sarah Boardman during Trump’s first term, will be taken down at the request of Republican leaders in the state Legislature in Denver, as reported by the Associated Press.
The portrait was unveiled in 2019, with state Republicans raising over $11,000 through a GoFundMe account to commission the painting. However, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the painting in a post on Truth Social, stating, “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.”
The former president further criticized the artist, suggesting that she had lost her talent as she got older. Trump mentioned that he was requesting the portrait’s removal on behalf of angry Coloradans who have complained about it. He called on Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to have the painting taken down, stating, “Jared should be ashamed of himself!”
The controversy surrounding the portrait has sparked debate among political leaders and constituents. While House Democrats have dismissed the issue as a distraction, Republicans and supporters of Trump have rallied behind the decision to remove the painting.
The removal of President Trump’s portrait from the Colorado Capitol signifies the ongoing political tensions and divisions within the state. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact future discussions on art, representation, and political symbolism in public spaces.
