Trump Portrait Artist’s Career At Risk
Colorado Springs artist claims President Trump’s remarks have put her four-decade career at risk
A once-prominent portrait of President Donald J. Trump, which hung in the Colorado State Capitol for six years, has been removed amid a growing backlash—after President Trump himself blasted the painting as “truly the worst” and accused the artist of intentionally distorting his image.
The now-controversial painting, created by veteran artist Sarah Boardman, became the subject of national attention when Trump took to Truth Social last month. His post didn’t mince words:
“It was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before,” Trump said. “Boardman must have lost her talent as she got older.”
Artist Pushes Back—Claims Decades-Long Business Is Now in Danger
In a statement posted on her website, Boardman defended the portrait and the process behind it, saying it was approved at every stage by the Colorado State Capitol Advisory Committee. She denied any political bias or intention to misrepresent the 45th President.
“I completed the portrait accurately, without purposeful distortion or caricature,” she wrote. “For six years it received overwhelmingly positive feedback, but now, that has changed drastically.”
Boardman, who has run her Colorado-based art business for over 40 years, says her livelihood is now under threat.
“President Trump has every right to speak freely, but the idea that I intentionally botched his likeness—or that I’ve ‘lost my talent’—is harming my ability to make a living,” she stated.
Trump Points Finger at Democrat Governor—Supporters Rally Around Former President
President Trump also appeared to hold Colorado’s Democrat Governor Jared Polis partially responsible, even though he was not in office when the portrait was commissioned or unveiled.
“I would much prefer not having a picture than having this one,” Trump declared, reinforcing his claim that the image was a political hit job disguised as art.
Trump’s loyal base wasn’t surprised. Many have long warned that left-leaning institutions—even in the arts—have worked to undermine and mock the America First movement. This controversy only reinforces that belief for millions of patriotic Americans.
Republican Leader Defends Effort to Honor Trump, Supports Removal
Former State Senate President Kevin Grantham (R), a key player in the effort to place Trump’s portrait in the Capitol, supported the artist’s intent—but also stood behind Trump’s right to request its removal.
Grantham personally led a 2018 fundraiser that raised the $10,000 needed to commission the portrait after liberal donors refused to participate. The effort reached its goal in just 30 hours.
“I’m still proud of what we did,” Grantham said. “I don’t believe the artist set out to misrepresent President Trump, but I absolutely support his right to have it taken down if he feels it doesn’t reflect him fairly.”
A Symbolic Battle in the Culture War?
For many conservatives, this incident reflects a larger cultural battle—one where even tributes to a sitting or former president aren’t safe from political weaponization.
As President Trump continues to lead the charge heading into the 2024 election cycle, this episode serves as yet another reminder: the attacks come from every direction—even from inside the frame.
