Donald Trump has demanded that a portrait of himself be removed from the Colorado state capitol, criticising the artist for producing what he claims is “truly the worst” depiction of his likeness. The former president expressed his displeasure, stating that the painting was “purposely distorted” beyond any he had ever seen before.
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The portrait, created by British artist Sarah Boardman in 2018, presents Trump with a serious expression, softly pursed lips, and a less buoyant hairstyle than his usual preferred portraits. Trump was particularly irked that Boardman’s portrait of former President Barack Obama looked “wonderful” while his own was, in his words, “the worst”. Boardman, however, has stated that her personal feelings played no part in the creative process, and she strives to capture the essence of the subject in her work.
Trump’s complaint also extends to Colorado’s Democratic Governor, Jared Polis, urging him to have the painting removed. A spokesperson for Polis declined to comment on whether the portrait would be taken down but noted the governor’s surprise at Trump’s interest in the state capitol’s artwork. Despite the controversy, Boardman has defended her work, remarking that criticism of presidential portraits often comes from political opponents, rather than dissatisfaction with the art itself.
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The Colorado citizens for culture had initially struggled to raise funds for Trump’s portrait, which led to a left-wing activist temporarily placing a portrait of Vladimir Putin in the president’s designated slot. However, following a crowdfunding effort led by Republican state senator Kevin Grantham, the funds were raised, and Trump’s official portrait was installed in 2019.
