A portrait of President Donald Trump that hung in the Colorado State Capitol has sparked controversy after the president publicly criticized the painting as “purposefully distorted,” leading to its removal and drawing sharp rebuke from the artist who painted it.
British-born artist Sarah A. Boardman – who painted Trump’s official portrait for the Denver State Capitol Gallery of Presidents in 2019 – says the fallout from Trump’s remarks is now threatening her livelihood.
The controversy began when Trump took to Truth Social in late March to denounce the painting.
“Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado, in the State Capitol, put up by the Governor, along with all other Presidents, was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before,” he wrote.
The 78-year-old POTUS compared it to Boardman’s portrait of President Barack Obama, which he described as “wonderful,” and added: “The one on me is truly the worst.
“She must have lost her talent as she got older.”
President Trump criticized a portrait of himself hanging in the Colorado Capitol that he claimed was “purposely distorted”. Credit: Truth Social /@realDonaldTrump
Trump said he had received complaints from Colorado residents and called on Governor Jared Polis to remove the artwork.
“In any event, I would much prefer not having a picture than having this one,” Trump wrote, before adding: “Jared should be ashamed of himself!”
The portrait had been commissioned by the Colorado State Capitol Advisory Committee after funding was raised by former Senate President Kevin Grantham, a Republican.
Credit: Truth Social
Boardman said she painted the image using a reference photograph that was approved by the committee, along with her works in progress.
“I completed the portrait accurately, without ‘purposeful distortion’, political bias, or any attempt to caricature the subject, actual or implied. I fulfilled the task per my contract,” she said. “For the six years that the portrait hung in the Colorado State Capitol Building Rotunda, I received overwhelmingly positive reviews and feedback. Since President Trump’s comments, that has changed for the worst.”
The painting was removed following Trump’s criticism, BBC News reports.
Boardman, who has also painted official portraits of former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, said the backlash marks a significant and damaging moment for her professionally. “My intentions, integrity, and abilities have been called into question,” she said.
Governor Polis’s office, meanwhile, responded with a touch of sarcasm to Trump’s public outcry. “Gov. Polis was surprised to learn the President of the United States is an aficionado of our Colorado State Capitol and its artwork,” a spokesperson said. “We appreciate the President and everyone’s interest in our capitol building and are always looking for any opportunity to improve our visitor experience.”
Trump, who has been known to tightly control his public image, made further headlines recently when his envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed receipt of a new portrait from Russia. Witkoff said he had been asked to transport the “beautiful portrait” by a “leading Russian artist” back to Washington.
