WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a bold and unusual move, President Donald Trump has replaced the portrait of former President Barack Obama at the White House with a new painting of himself, commemorating his survival after an assassination attempt earlier this year.
On Friday, the 78-year-old president moved Obama’s portrait, which had been displayed in the grand entrance hallway, to the opposite side of the hallway. This change is noteworthy, as sitting presidents typically only have their own portraits displayed once they leave office, making the move even more striking.
The White House officially announced the change through a post on social media platform X, sharing a video of people walking past Trump’s new portrait in the location where Obama’s had been previously. The video shows a large beige U-shaped sofa, a classic feature of the White House interior.
A Dramatic Painting of Trump’s Survival
The new portrait features a dramatic moment from July 2024, when Trump was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. The artwork depicts the bloodied president raising his fist and shouting “fight” after being struck by the bullet. The scene mirrors an iconic photograph taken by the Associated Press during the incident.
At this time, the White House has not provided any information about the artist behind the piece. However, several White House officials took to social media to share images of Trump’s painting alongside Obama’s portrait, now relocated within the White House.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung addressed critics of the move, noting, “The Obama portrait was just moved a few feet away.” In response to some backlash, Cheung added, “Pipe down, moron” to one critic on social media.
The Trump-Obama Rivalry
The decision to move Obama’s portrait is not merely an aesthetic choice but also underscores the longstanding rivalry between Trump and Obama. Trump’s contentious relationship with Obama goes back years, beginning with his promotion of the “birther” conspiracy theory, which falsely claimed Obama was not born in the U.S. Trump and Obama have publicly clashed multiple times over the years, and Trump has made no secret of his disdain for Obama.
Obama’s portrait, which was unveiled in 2022 by President Joe Biden, was a highly anticipated moment during Biden’s tenure. It depicted the 44th president in a black suit and gray tie, standing against a plain white background.
Trump’s Self-Celebratory Legacy
The recent change in the White House also fits into Trump’s broader habit of honoring himself in his residences. Just outside the Oval Office, Trump recently hung a gold-framed version of his mugshot from an ongoing legal case regarding alleged attempts to interfere with the 2020 election.
At his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump also displayed a large bronze sculpture that captures his defiant posture after surviving the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump’s actions serve as another example of his tendency to personalize his legacy, blending politics, self-promotion, and his controversial stance on various matters. His latest move with the portrait serves as a reflection of his enduring rivalry with Obama, as well as his consistent focus on asserting his image within the historical narrative of his presidency.
A Shifting Landscape for Presidential Portraits
The shift of Obama’s portrait also highlights the broader tradition of U.S. presidents relocating portraits of their predecessors within the White House. Typically, portraits of former presidents are prominently displayed in the main entrance hall or other key areas of the residence. However, as the Trump administration continues to defy norms and challenge expectations, his personal approach to this tradition is notable for its boldness.
As more developments unfold, it remains to be seen how Trump’s presidency will continue to reshape traditions and public perception within the historic halls of the White House.
