Is the trump portrait in colorado state capitol about to come down? President Donald Trump has publicly demanded the removal of his official portrait from the Colorado State Capitol, alleging it is “purposefully distorted.” This controversy revolves around the artwork painted by Sarah A. Boardman, which has been on display since 2019. While Governor Jared Polis’s office has acknowledged Trump’s interest, no action has been confirmed, sparking debate about political bias and artistic representation.
Key Takeaways:
- President Donald Trump has called for the removal of his portrait from the Colorado State Capitol.
- Trump claims the portrait, displayed since 2019, is “purposefully distorted.”
- Governor Jared Polis’s office has expressed surprise but has not confirmed any action.
- Despite Trump’s allegations of political bias, the portrait was funded by private donations led by Republicans.
Trump Demands Removal of His Colorado Capitol Portrait
On March 24, 2025, a new chapter unfolded in the saga of the Trump portrait in Colorado state capitol. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to voice his strong disapproval of the artwork, painted by Sarah A. Boardman and displayed in the Colorado State Capitol since 2019 [Source: The Guardian].
“Worst Portrait Ever”
In his post, Trump didn’t hold back, describing the portrait as the “worst” and claiming it was “purposefully distorted.” He also targeted Governor Jared Polis, despite the fact that Polis had no involvement in the portrait’s commissioning or creation.
Governor Polis’s Office Responds
Governor Jared Polis’s office issued a statement acknowledging Trump’s remarks. A spokesperson for the governor expressed surprise at Trump’s keen interest in the Capitol’s artwork, emphasizing the building’s historical significance and its importance to visitors As of now, no official action regarding the portrait’s removal has been announced.
The Story Behind the Portrait
The tradition of displaying portraits of U.S. presidents in the Colorado State Capitol is a long-standing one, typically funded through private donations. The trump portrait in colorado state capitol was no exception, with funding secured through a GoFundMe campaign initiated by Colorado Republicans.
Funding Challenges and a Putin Plot Twist
Interestingly, raising the necessary $10,000 for Trump’s portrait initially proved difficult. This led to a rather unusual event in 2018 when a portrait of Vladimir Putin was temporarily displayed, a move that garnered national attention and sparked outrage among Republicans [Source: Denver Post].
Republican Initiative
Following the Putin stunt, then-State Senator Kevin Grantham, a Republican, launched the successful GoFundMe campaign. Donations came from various sources, including prominent state Republicans and even a Democrat who highlighted the importance of the presidential portraits for educational purposes [Source: TIME].
Trump Praises Obama’s Portrait by the Same Artist
An unexpected detail in this controversy is that President Trump reportedly praised Sarah A. Boardman’s portrait of Barack Obama. This suggests that his issue lies specifically with his own depiction, rather than with the artist’s overall talent or style [Source: Daily Mail].
Artist’s Intent for Neutrality
At the unveiling of the trump portrait colorado state capitol in 2019, artist Sarah A. Boardman described her intention to create a neutral representation. She aimed for a “thoughtful, non-confrontational” portrayal that would serve as a historical record, fitting alongside other presidential portraits in the Capitol.
Historical Precedents of Presidential Portrait Disapproval
President Trump is not the first president to express dissatisfaction with his official portrait. Theodore Roosevelt, for instance, famously disliked his 1902 White House portrait so much that he had it destroyed [Source: National Park Service]. This historical precedent highlights the subjective nature of portraiture and the personal connection individuals have with their own image.
Key Events Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Initial funding challenges for Trump’s portrait; temporary display of Putin’s portrait. |
| August 2019 | Trump’s portrait, painted by Sarah A. Boardman, unveiled at the Colorado State Capitol, funded by Republican-led GoFundMe. |
| March 23, 2025 | President Trump criticizes his portrait on Truth Social, calling it “purposefully distorted” and demanding its removal, also targeting Governor Polis. |
| March 24, 2025 | Governor Polis’s office responds, expressing surprise at Trump’s interest but confirming no action regarding the portrait’s removal. |
The controversy surrounding the trump portrait colorado state capitol brings to mind other instances where political figures have clashed over their public image. Much like the debates surrounding historical monuments, this situation highlights the complex intersection of art, politics, and public perception. You can read more about similar political controversies here.
Conclusion
The demand from President Trump to remove his portrait from the Colorado State Capitol has ignited a discussion that touches on personal taste, political motivations, and the historical tradition of presidential representation. As of now, the portrait remains in place, and the future of this particular piece of artwork in Colorado’s state history is yet to be determined.
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