A newly approved portrait of President Trump is now displayed in the Colorado State Capitol. This painting takes the place of earlier versions that Trump criticized as “deliberately distorted” and “really the worst.”
This latest portrait, created by Arizona-based Christian worship artist Vanessa Holabuena, is showcased in the Rotunda, specifically on the third floor of the Denver building where previous presidential portraits have been hung. It’s the same spot that housed an earlier painting since 2019.
The new exhibit, donated by the White House, captures Trump in a commanding pose, slightly leaning forward, presenting a steely gaze that reflects his official demeanor.
“We want to give a shout-out to Vanessa Holabuena, an incredibly talented artist, as well as everyone in Colorado,” Trump shared on Truth Social on Tuesday. “It’s now on display at the Colorado State Capitol!”
The previous rendition, which depicted a much younger Trump, was taken down in March after the president unexpectedly criticized it on social media, despite having been on display for six years.
This original painting was commissioned after former Republican Colorado Senate President Kevin Grantham raised over $10,000 through a GoFundMe campaign during Trump’s first term.
“No one appreciates my own bad paintings, or maybe paintings in general, but the ones at the Colorado State Capitol were held back by the governor along with those of other presidents. I mean, perhaps mine was manipulated beyond recognition,” Trump expressed in March.
“The artist depicted President Obama well, but my portrayal was really the worst. It seems she might have lost her talent as time passed.”
The oversight of these portraits falls to the Colorado Building Advisory Committee, not directly to the governor.
Boardman faced criticism following Trump’s harsh remarks, emphasizing earlier that it was important for her portraits of both Trump and Obama to appear “non-political.”
Eventually, Colorado Democrats, who held congressional leadership, agreed to the removal of the painting following requests from local Republican leaders.
Lois Court, the former state legislator who chairs the Capitol Building Advisory Committee, mentioned that they received the Trump-approved portrait over a month ago and arranged for it to be hung this week.
“There was an empty spot on the wall,” she noted. “It felt inappropriate. I knew the White House had sent us this replacement.”
