President Trump criticized a portrait of himself hanging in the Colorado State Capitol, claiming it had been purposely distorted. The painting was unveiled over five years ago alongside other presidential portraits during Trump’s first term in office. Trump took to Truth Social to express his displeasure with the painting, calling it the worst and suggesting that the artist, Sarah Boardman, may have lost her talent as she aged. Trump demanded that the “radical left” Governor Jared Polis remove the painting.
The painting in question hangs on the third-floor rotunda of the state Capitol and was created by Colorado artist Sarah Boardman. Boardman had intended for both Trump and Obama, who were depicted in her paintings, to appear apolitical, as the gallery of presidents is meant to reflect the nation’s history beyond a single administration. According to Boardman, her intent was for Trump to appear neutral in the portrait. However, Trump’s recent criticism suggests he is displeased with the portrayal.
The painting was commissioned after former Colorado Senate President Kevin Grantham, a Republican, raised the necessary funds for it to be created. However, Trump expressed his preference for not having a portrait at all rather than having the one hanging in the state Capitol. He claimed that people living in Colorado had complained about the painting, and he called on Governor Polis to respond to their objections. Trump went on to criticize Polis for being weak on crime, specifically referencing the Tren de Aragua gang’s activities in Aurora.
Governor Polis appeared to take Trump’s criticism in stride, with a spokesperson expressing surprise that the President would be interested in the Colorado State Capitol and its artwork. The spokesperson detailed the history of the Capitol building, which features Rose Onyx and White Yule Marble mined in Colorado, as well as portraits of former Presidents and governors. Polis was open to feedback on improving the visitor experience at the Capitol and welcomed interest in the building from Trump and others.
It is unclear how Governor Polis will respond to Trump’s demand to remove the portrait hanging in the Colorado State Capitol. The tension between Trump and Polis reflects broader political divisions in the country, with Trump representing the Republican Party and Polis representing the Democratic Party. The controversy over the portrait highlights the importance of symbolism and representation, particularly in public spaces like the state Capitol. Both artists and politicians must consider the impact of their work on public perception and political discourse.
