A portrait of former U.S. President Donald Trump displayed at the Colorado State Capitol will be taken down following Trump's criticism that it was "purposefully distorted," state officials announced on Monday. The painting, created by artist Shauna Boardman and unveiled in 2019 as part of a series of presidential portraits, caught Trump’s attention after he called it the "worst" depiction of him in a social media post.
Trump’s objections centered on the portrayal, which he claimed was inaccurate, and he linked his criticism to broader concerns about Governor Jared Polis’s handling of crime, including gang activities in Aurora. The former president urged Polis to address the issue, accusing him of ignoring public complaints.
Boardman, who also painted Barack Obama's portrait for the Capitol, emphasized her intention to create apolitical representations of presidents. She stated that her goal was to provide a neutral, historically reflective depiction of Trump’s presidency, not to convey partisan viewpoints. The project, funded by former Republican Senate President Kevin Grantham, received bipartisan support, aiming to present presidential legacies without political bias.
In response to Trump’s comments, Governor Polis took a lighthearted approach, acknowledging the unexpected attention the Capitol artwork had received. His office noted the building's historical significance, including the use of Colorado-mined materials, and welcomed public interest in its exhibits while emphasizing a commitment to preserving the Capitol’s legacy.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)