White House Photographer Calls Trump Petty
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A quiet but telling change at the White House is sparking new conversation about history, symbolism, and who gets the spotlight. The official portrait of former President Barack Obama has been relocated from its high-profile place in the Grand Foyer to a hidden location at the top of the Grand Staircase — an area closed to the public during tours.
A “Petty” Move? Liberal Photographer Lashes Out
Pete Souza, who served as White House photographer for both Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, took to Instagram to slam the decision. Quoting CNN, Souza claimed the portrait had been moved to an “off-limits” section where neither visitors nor most staff would see it. He suggested — without evidence — that it was done because Obama “lives rent-free” in President Trump’s mind.
What Replaced Obama’s Portrait Will Turn Heads
The Obama portrait, painted by Robert McCurdy, had already been shuffled once in April to make way for a striking and historic new image: President Trump, fist raised defiantly, moments after surviving the July 2024 assassination attempt at a Butler, Pennsylvania rally. The dramatic painting now occupies the prominent space in the Grand Foyer, greeting visitors with a reminder of resilience and strength.
Other Presidents Moved Off the Main Floor
According to The Hill, portraits of former Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush were also recently moved to less visible locations. A White House official confirmed the changes but emphasized that such re-arrangements are not unusual when a new administration takes over. However, tradition typically gives more recent presidents pride of place for public display.
Souza Recalls the Obama Years
Souza contrasted today’s setup with Obama’s time in office, noting that during that administration, portraits of Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton were displayed front and center in the Grand Foyer, while Reagan, Carter, Ford, and Kennedy lined the Cross Hall.
A Statement Through Art
Whether it’s viewed as simple redecorating or a symbolic reshuffling, the White House’s decision makes one thing clear: the current administration is choosing to highlight moments of courage, grit, and patriotism over recent political predecessors. For many conservatives, the change is a welcome shift that puts a defining Trump moment where the world can see it — and moves political opponents out of the spotlight.
