The Colorado state Capitol has removed the controversial portrait of President Donald Trump, which he had previously claimed was ‘purposely distorted,’ following a monthslong period of backlash. The decision to replace the piece was made after months of public and political outcry, with the previous artwork by Colorado artist Sarah Boardman removed at the request of local Republican leaders.
Following the removal, the Colorado Capitol Building Advisory Committee installed a new presidential portrait donated by the White House. This new piece, completed by Arizona artist Vanessa Horabuena, closely mirrors Trump’s official presidential photograph and is currently on temporary display. The decision to replace the Boardman portrait was made after a committee meeting in June 2025, which voted to temporarily display the new artwork while considering the future of the full presidential portrait collection.
Trump had publicly criticized Boardman’s painting during a recent social media post, claiming it was a ‘distorted’ image that reflected a decline in the artist’s talent. Boardman, however, denied the accusations and remained silent on the new artwork. The new portrait, which replaces the earlier one, reflects a more formal and traditional depiction of Trump and has been widely accepted as a compromise to the previous controversy.
The removal of Boardman’s portrait was a decision made by Colorado Democrats, who control the state legislature, at the request of local Republican leaders. This move has sparked significant discussions about the portrayal of political figures in public spaces and the role of artistic interpretation in political representation. The new portrait now serves as a symbol of compromise, balancing Trump’s demands with the need for artistic integrity and public sentiment.
As the new portrait stands in the third-floor gallery of the Colorado Capitol, it represents a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape, highlighting the complex interplay between public opinion, political power, and the role of art in national institutions.