A portrait of himself displayed in Denver, Colorado, has left former President Donald Trump unhappy. In a sharp critique, he compared it unfavorably to the one created for former President Barack Obama and pointed fingers at the state’s governor for its continued display.

On March 24, 2025, Donald Trump shared a post on Truth Social featuring a photo of his portrait hanging at the Colorado State Capitol. His dislike for the painting was clear, as he openly declared his wish for its removal.

The image showed Trump in a dark suit, red tie, and white shirt, bearing a serious look. His comment accompanying the post was, “Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves…”

Trump accused the state governor, Jared Polis, of installing the portrait and others of former presidents in such a manner that it was “purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before.”

Acknowledging the same artist who painted Obama’s portrait, he praised Obama’s while disparaging his own as “truly the worst,” claiming the artist had “lost her talent as she got older.”

His strong sentiments were clear as he expressed that he would rather have no portrait than the current one, stating that many Coloradoans had voiced complaints. “They are actually angry about it!” he emphasized.

While he blamed the governor, in reality, it was the Colorado Republicans who commissioned the portrait. Kevin J. Grantham, former Senate President, raised funds through a GoFundMe campaign, collecting $10,884 to have artist Sarah A. Boardman create it. The unveiling took place at a public event on August 1, 2019, at the state capitol, overseen by Grantham.

Before the portrait was revealed, Grantham remarked that whether it brings a smile or frown, it is a representation of America’s freedom. Despite Trump’s complaints, the painting now adorns the Rotunda. The uproar caught the attention of Governor Polis, prompting a response.

On the same day, a spokesperson for Polis commented that the governor was surprised to learn of Trump’s interest in the Colorado State Capitol and its artwork.

They emphasized the historic nature of the Capitol, detailing the materials used in its construction and the array of presidential and gubernatorial portraits it houses. “We appreciate the President and everyone’s interest in our capitol building and are always looking for any opportunity to improve our visitor experience,” the statement concluded.

At the portrait’s unveiling, pictures shared on Facebook displayed the formal ceremony, speeches, and Trump’s image hung beside former presidents such as Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

The reaction online has been mixed, with some saying “They did him dirty” and others agreeing “He’s right. That looks nothing like him.” A few defended the image, claiming it portrays Trump as more youthful than he might appear.

Netizens are divided. While some critics see the portrait as unfair, others see it as an accurate, neutral representation meant to stand the test of time. Artist Boardman herself noted that she had been careful to portray Trump in a neutral light, acknowledging that in years to come, the portrait would only be a part of historical context.

Meanwhile, a behavioral expert analyzed a separate incident in which Trump was inadvertently hit on the face by a microphone during a press event in March 2025.

Specialist Darren Stanton reviewed Trump’s expressions during the moment, pointing out a clear display of anger and shock as the event unfolded. This incident underlined Trump’s portrayal as both proud and quick to react, attributes often observed in his dealings.

Overall, the backlash and support surrounding Trump’s portrait in Colorado signify the ongoing division of public opinion towards him. The portrait itself has become a symbol of the broader political climate, igniting discussion about art, representation, and freedom of expression.

From this portrait to microphone mishaps, Donald Trump continues to be a prominent and polarizing figure, whose every action or reaction can prompt both criticism and praise in the public sphere.

With a series of public engagements and his noticeable interaction with world figures, like French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump’s presence remains significant in both domestic and international domains.