President Donald Trump has called for the immediate removal of a portrait of himself from the Colorado State Capitol, labeling it as “distorted” and “truly the worst.” This portrait, created by local artist Sarah Boardman, has drawn criticism from Trump, who claimed it did not accurately represent him.
The Colorado Capitol Building Advisory Committee recently decided to replace Boardman’s painting with a new portrait by Arizona artist Vanessa Horabuena. This decision comes after months of backlash surrounding the original artwork, which had been on display since 2019.
In a post on social media, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Boardman’s work, suggesting that the artist had lost her talent over time and that her portrayal of him was intentionally unflattering. Boardman, however, denied these claims, stating that her painting was simply her artistic interpretation.
The newly installed portrait aims to reflect a more official likeness of Trump, similar to his presidential photo. It was donated by the White House and installed last week in the Capitol’s third-floor gallery. The advisory committee, which oversees art displays in the Capitol, stated that they will consider the future of the full presidential portrait collection in upcoming meetings.
Lois Court, the committee chair and a former state lawmaker, highlighted the need for a replacement, noting that the wall had been left bare after the removal of Boardman’s portrait. She emphasized that it was appropriate to display the new artwork.
Trump thanked Horabuena for her work and the people of Colorado for their support. Horabuena, known for her Christian-themed artwork, has previously depicted Trump and other historical figures.
The controversy surrounding the original portrait reflects broader tensions in the political landscape, particularly in a state where the legislature is controlled by Democrats. The decision to replace the painting came after local Republican leaders requested its removal, citing concerns over its portrayal of the former president.
As the new portrait hangs in the Capitol, it symbolizes not just a change in artwork but also the ongoing dialogue about representation and public perception in politics.