The White House is facing heavy criticism after it posted a video on X showing off a new painting of President Donald Trump's assassination attempt last summer—that is now hanging where an official portrait of former President Barack Obama was once displayed.
The portrait of Obama, unveiled in 2022 during former President Joe Biden’s administration, remains on display in the White House but has been relocated. Originally hung near the staircase to the presidential residence on the State Floor, it has been moved to the opposite wall—where a portrait of former President George W. Bush once hung.
Obama’s portrait, created by artist Robert McCurdy, shows him standing in a dark suit and silver tie, hands in his pockets against a stark white background. It was based on photographs taken by McCurdy, known for his photorealistic style.
The newly installed painting of Trump has taken its place. The dramatic artwork shows Trump surrounded by Secret Service agents, with an American flag waving behind him in a cloudless sky. Red streaks mark his face, and the imagery closely mirrors photos captured after the assassination attempt during a campaign event in Pennsylvania, where Trump was shot in the ear.
The phrase “Fight! Fight! Fight!”—shouted by Trump in the immediate aftermath—has since become a rallying cry among his supporters.
The White House announced the update with a video of the Trump painting, captioned simply, “Some new artwork at the White House,” followed by a pair of emoji eyes.
You can see the post below.
You can see the portrait below.
@TheWhiteHouse/X
Many have reacted with mockery.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the switch in a statement, saying:
"The executive mansion is the president’s home, and he has the right to make changes as other presidents have in the past.”
But Trump has involved himself with paintings outside of the White House as well—just last month, a portrait of him hanging alongside other U.S. presidents in the Colorado state Capitol, which was commissioned by MAGA supporting local officials, was removed after Trump publicly criticized the artwork. He claimed the painting “purposefully distorted” his likeness, prompting state officials to take it down.
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