President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday to criticize a portrait of himself displayed in the Colorado State Capitol, claiming it was intentionally distorted and urging Governor Jared Polis to remove it.
The painting, which has been on display for over five years alongside portraits of other U.S. presidents, was created by artist Sarah Boardman of Colorado Springs. Trump, however, alleged that his depiction was deliberately unflattering compared to other presidents, particularly Barack Obama.
Trump Takes Aim at the Artwork
“Nobody likes an unflattering portrait, but the one in Colorado was intentionally distorted beyond anything I’ve seen before,” Trump wrote. He further accused the artist of portraying Obama in a favorable light while making him look worse. “She must have lost her talent as she got older,” he added.
The portrait hangs in the third-floor rotunda of the Colorado State Capitol. Boardman, who painted both Trump and Obama for the gallery, had previously stated that she aimed for neutrality in her work. “In another five, 10, 15 years, he will be another president on the wall, and he needs to look neutral,” she said in a 2019 interview.
Boardman has not responded to Trump’s comments.
Political Backlash Over the Portrait
The portrait was funded through private donations, a process led by former Colorado Senate President Kevin Grantham, a Republican. Despite this, Trump made it clear that he would rather not have a painting at all than keep the one currently displayed.
Trump also claimed that Coloradans had complained about the artwork and urged Polis to take action. “People are actually angry about it! I am speaking on their behalf to the Radical Left Governor, Jared Polis, who is weak on crime,” Trump wrote, referencing concerns over the Tren de Aragua gang in Aurora.
Governor Polis Responds
Polis, a Democrat, appeared unfazed by the criticism. His spokesperson responded with a lighthearted statement, noting Trump’s apparent interest in the State Capitol’s artwork.
“We appreciate the President’s and everyone’s interest in our historic building and are always looking for opportunities to enhance the visitor experience,” the statement read.
The Colorado State Capitol, completed in 1901, houses portraits of past presidents and governors, with Trump’s painting being just one of many. Whether it will remain in place or be removed remains to be seen .
