Trump’s Portrait Replaced

Colorado Democrats are under fire after being forced to remove a controversial portrait of President Donald J. Trump from the state Capitol, following growing backlash from conservatives and a scathing critique from the 45th President himself.

“Distorted On Purpose”: Trump Calls Out the Liberal Artist’s Agenda

In a March post on Truth Social, President Trump didn’t mince words, blasting the Capitol artwork as “purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before.

The portrait, painted by artist Sarah Boardman and unveiled in 2019, has sparked controversy from day one. Trump added, “I’d rather have no picture at all than one designed to humiliate.”

And many Americans agree.

White House Steps In — A New, Patriotic Painting on the Way

Following the criticism, former Democrat State Sen. Lois Court, who chairs the Colorado Capitol Building Advisory Committee, made the call to remove the $11,000 taxpayer-funded painting—a rare retreat by state Democrats.

In its place, a new portrait of Trump—donated by the White House and painted by patriotic artist Vanessa Horabuena of Arizona—is being framed as of this week. Trump personally requested a golden border so the artwork would “glimmer” with pride in the Capitol.

Why was the first portrait ever approved?

That’s the question many are asking—especially after artist Sarah Boardman defended her image by saying it was meant to be “neutral,” not “angry or tweeting.”

But critics say the painting’s unflattering tones and lifeless expression sent a clear political message—one that disrespected a sitting U.S. president and tens of millions of voters.

Republicans Lead the Charge: “This Is About Respect”

Colorado’s former Senate President Kevin Grantham (R), who helped raise thousands to commission the portrait back in 2019, supported the removal after Trump’s post went viral.

“This was meant to honor history,” Grantham said. “Tourists, families, and veterans walk these halls every day. That portrait didn’t reflect dignity—it reflected contempt.”

Conservative lawmakers praised the decision to reevaluate which image of Trump should hang in the Capitol, with a final vote expected by September.

The Bigger Picture: Culture War on Display

This incident isn’t just about a painting—it’s a microcosm of the larger war on conservative values happening in state institutions across America.

From biased media coverage to agenda-driven public art, many Americans believe liberals are working overtime to rewrite how history sees President Trump.

But as this latest reversal in Colorado shows—when conservatives speak up, the left backs down.