Trump Demands ‘Disgraceful’ Presidential Portrait be Taken Down Immediately

President Donald J. Trump is demanding that Colorado Governor Jared Polis take down a “dishonest and disgraceful” portrait of him hanging in the state capitol — calling it an “insult to the presidency and the people.”

“This painting is a joke. It’s not art, it’s an attack,” Trump posted Sunday night on Truth Social. “They hung up this mess in the State Capitol — alongside the other presidents — and they expect me to be OK with it? No way.”

Trump took aim at both the artist, Sarah Boardman, and the governor, accusing them of deliberately smearing his image in a taxpayer-funded display. He said the portrait is so badly done, “it looks like a parody.”

“They Made Obama Look Like a Movie Star”

Trump pointed out that Boardman also painted former President Barack Obama — and somehow, that portrait turned out “just fine.”

“She did Obama and made him look like a Hollywood star. But mine? Looks like a mugshot from a third-world jail. She must have lost her touch — or maybe it’s just politics,” he wrote.

“She made Obama look sharp. Me? It’s the worst presidential portrait in history. I’d rather have no portrait at all than that disaster.”

Local Backlash Growing

Trump says he’s not alone in his outrage. “I’ve received calls and letters from people all over Colorado — they’re furious. They can’t believe this is what’s hanging in their capitol,” he said.

“Many are angry. I’m speaking up for them. I’m asking the Radical Left Governor to do the right thing and take it down.”

Polis Under Fire for Crime, Immigration, and Radical Policies

Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat first elected in 2018, is facing growing criticism — not just over the portrait, but over his entire leadership.

Trump blasted Polis as “soft on crime” and “weak on illegal immigration,” pointing to the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which infiltrated the city of Aurora under Polis’ watch.

“They practically took over Aurora,” Trump said. “We saved it.”

In February, Trump used the historic Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport over 200 suspected gang members, including affiliates of Tren de Aragua, calling them a “national threat.”

“These people were conducting irregular warfare against the U.S., backed by the Maduro regime,” Trump said. “We put them on a plane and dropped them in El Salvador’s toughest prison. That’s leadership.”

What’s Behind the Timing?

Although the portrait has been up since 2019, Trump’s renewed anger appears connected to recent friction between him and Polis.

Polis sparked controversy last week when he defended illegal immigrant Jeanette Vizguerra, who has been fighting deportation for over two decades. Trump’s administration ordered her removal after years of court battles.

Polis went public, claiming Vizguerra “deserves due process” and criticizing ICE and Trump’s immigration enforcement.

Trump didn’t hold back. “Polis should worry more about criminals flooding his streets than interfering with national security,” he said.

Artist Stands By Work

Boardman, the artist behind the controversial portrait, has previously painted both George W. Bush and Barack Obama. She celebrated the unveiling of Trump’s portrait in 2019, calling it a “great day” and thanking attendees on her Facebook page.

She wrote at the time: “Please remain respectful — this is about portraiture, not politics.”

But Trump says that’s nonsense.

“She knew exactly what she was doing. It’s political. It’s personal. And it’s pathetic.”

Republicans Rally Behind Trump

Conservative commentators and lawmakers are now weighing in, with several calling for the portrait’s immediate removal.

“This isn’t art — it’s propaganda,” said Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO). “Colorado should be honoring its presidents, not mocking them.”

As Trump continues to lead the Republican presidential field in 2024, the fight over his image — literally — has become a symbol of deeper divisions between Red and Blue America.

“They hate us because we fight back,” Trump said. “But I won’t back down — not even over a painting.”