Donald Trump's Portrait in Colorado No Longer 'Distorted'—But, Netizens Still Making Fun Of It

Donald Trump's official portrait in Colorado has been replaced with a new one after the former US president harshly criticised the original artwork, calling it intentionally distorted and unflattering. Following his complaints, the White House donated a new portrait that better aligns with his preferred image. However, despite the change, many social media users continue to mock the new painting, sparking fresh waves of online debate.

Donald Trump Hates His Old Portrait

Trump expressed his disappointment with the original portrait displayed in Colorado's State Capitol. He claimed that the painting made him look worse on purpose and suggested it was part of a deliberate attempt to insult him.

'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,' Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He added: 'The artist also did President Obama, and he looks wonderful, but the one on me is truly the worst. She must have lost her talent as she got older. In any event, I would much prefer not having a picture than having this one, but many people from Colorado have called and written to complain.'

After his statements, the White House decided to donate a new portrait of Trump to the State Capitol to address the controversy.

Trump Portrait Artist Defends Her Work

Sarah Boardman, a British-born artist based in Colorado Springs, created the original 2019 portrait. She defended her work, explaining that her depiction of Trump was accurate and not influenced by any political bias.

Boardman said her approach was professional and objective, clarifying that she did not intend to caricature Trump in any way. She also painted Barack Obama and emphasised that she treated all her subjects with the same level of care and respect.

What the New Donald Trump Portrait Looks Like

The new portrait was painted by Vanessa Horabuena, a Christian worship artist from Tempe, Arizona, known for her live patriotic and religious paintings. Horabuena's work features more detail and depth and aims to present Trump in a more polished light.

In the new artwork, Trump appears older and has a noticeable orange skin tone — a characteristic often mocked by his critics. Observers also pointed out that the new portrait bears a resemblance to Trump's mugshot from 2020, when he was charged with trying to overturn the election results.

Although the new painting is considered more technically refined than the original, it has not escaped ridicule online. Many users have highlighted the orange hue, visible wrinkles and serious expression, leading to a wave of memes and edited images across social media.

Social Media Reactions

Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been relentless. Many users created satirical versions of the new portrait, comparing Trump to fictional characters and turning the image into viral jokes.

Some praised Horabuena's artistic skill but questioned the choice of colours and overall tone. Despite the widespread mockery, Trump has not publicly criticised the new painting. In contrast to his reaction to the original portrait, he appears to be satisfied with this version, possibly because it was created with his input and reflects his preferred image.

A Symbol of Ongoing Debate

The portrait saga has reignited conversations about artistic freedom, political imagery and public perception. What began as a personal complaint has turned into a cultural moment, highlighting the complex relationship between art and politics.

For now, Trump's new portrait hangs in the Colorado State Capitol, serving as both a testament to his enduring influence and a reminder of the internet's ability to turn even official state art into a global punchline.