Trump replaces Obama's White House portrait with one of himself

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
12 Apr 2025 15:55

Donald Trump, in an unusual move for a sitting US President, has moved Obama's portrait in the White House and replaced it with one of himself during his assassination attempt.

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A portrait of US President Donald Trump with his fist raised after someone tried to assassinate him while campaigning, April 12, 2025 (Screengrab)

US President Donald Trump has replaced the official portrait of former President Barack Obama with a dramatic painting of himself surviving an assassination attempt.

The newly displayed artwork, now hanging in the foyer of the White House’s State Floor, depicts the moment a wounded Trump raised his clenched fist in defiance after being shot during a campaign rally in July 2024.

The White House shared a video of the change on X, captioned: "Some new artwork at the White House." Obama’s portrait, which previously occupied that spot, has been relocated to the opposite wall.

Some new artwork at the White House 👀 pic.twitter.com/l6u5u7k82T
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 11, 2025

An 'unusual' move

Several media outlets described the move as "unusual," noting that it’s rare to substitute a former president’s portrait with one of a current officeholder.

Traditionally, official presidential portraits are installed at the White House after a president leaves office, continuing a custom that dates back over 200 years.

"The Obama portrait was just moved a few feet away," said White House Communications Director Steven Cheung on X, responding to criticism by telling one commenter to "Pipe down, moron."

Trump has made headlines over portrait controversies beyond the White House as well. Just last month, a painting of him was removed from the Colorado state Capitol after he complained that the image was "purposefully distorted."