Trump breaks tradition: Replaces Obama’s portrait with his own
The White House decor is always subject to change with each new administration in the USA. This often results in portraits being moved or replaced to reflect the current occupants of the White House.
Recently, White House officials announced that the portrait of former president Barack Obama in the palace corridor had been removed. In its place, the current president, Donald Trump, was depicted in a dramatic moment from an assassination attempt last year.
The portrait shows Trump shielding himself after a bullet narrowly missed his ear, raising his fist in the air and shouting “war, war, war”. The Secret Service agents, who were present during the incident, are also captured in the painting.
This move has attracted attention from historians, as it is rare for a sitting president to replace a predecessor’s portrait with their own. Typically, portraits of former presidents and their spouses are displayed in the White House after their term ends.
Obama’s portrait, which had been displayed in the Eastern Hall during Joe Biden’s presidency, was painted by Robert McCurdy. The portrait shows Obama in a dark suit, reflecting his time in office.
White House Press Spokesman Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s decision to display his own portrait, stating that it is his right as the current resident of the White House to make such changes. He also criticized the New York Times for suggesting there was an issue with the display.
As the White House continues to undergo changes with each new administration, the decor and portraits within the historic building will continue to reflect the current political landscape.
