A portrait of himself hanging in Denver, Colorado, left President Donald Trump displeased. It prompted him to compare it to the one created for former President Barack Obama and blamed the state’s governor for keeping it displayed.

On March 23, 2025, President Donald Trump used the Truth Social platform to post a picture of his portrait currently displayed at the Colorado State Capitol. He expressed his dislike for the painting and stated that he wanted it removed.

The post included a framed image showing the president wearing a blue suit, red tie, and white shirt. In the portrait, he appeared serious, looking directly ahead. Trump captioned the post, writing, “Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves…”

He claimed that the portrait and others featuring previous presidents were installed by Governor Jared Polis. Trump alleged that it “was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before.” He noted that the same artist who painted his portrait also did former President Barack Obama’s, which he said “looks wonderful.”

However, Trump argued that “the one on me is truly the worst,” and accused the artist of having “lost her talent as she got older.” He continued, “In any event, I would much prefer not having a picture than having this one, but many people from Colorado have called and written to complain.”

The politician went on to say, “In fact, they are actually angry about it!” Speaking on behalf of his supporters, the president urged officials “to take it down,” and concluded that Polis “should be ashamed of himself!”

In reality, Polis had no role in commissioning or displaying the portrait. Colorado Republicans raised funds to hire Sarah A. Boardman to create the painting. The artist, together with Colorado Senate Republicans, hosted a public unveiling event on August 1, 2019, at the state capitol.

It was former Senate President Kevin J. Grantham who officially unveiled the portrait of the 45th President of the US. The artwork now hangs in the Rotunda. One attendee shared several photos from the event on Facebook.

The images captured the unveiling, speeches delivered at the podium, and how Trump’s portrait was placed beside those of other former presidents. These include Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

Although Trump voiced strong objections to the portrait, its installation stemmed from efforts by his own party. The controversy reflects ongoing tensions surrounding public representation and presidential legacy.