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After enduring months of criticism, the Colorado State Capitol has officially replaced a controversial portrait of former President Donald Trump. This decision came following Trump’s claims that the artwork was deliberately distorted by the artist.
The new portrait, donated by the White House, was installed last week at the Denver Capitol, as confirmed by the Colorado Capitol Building Advisory Committee. The previous painting, created by Colorado artist Sarah Boardman, had been on display since 2019.
Despite the six years Boardman’s portrait was showcased, criticism resurfaced in spring when Trump took to social media to denounce the artwork. He stated that Boardman “must have lost her talent as she got older” and accused her of distortion. Boardman refuted these claims, emphasizing her commitment to her craft.
The newly installed portrait by Arizona artist Vanessa Horabuena presents a striking resemblance to Trump’s official presidential photo, contrasting sharply with Boardman’s depiction of a younger Trump.
Trump’s Reaction to the New Installation
Trump expressed gratitude towards Horabuena on his Truth Social platform, stating, “Thank you to the Highly Talented Artist, Vanessa Horabuena, and the incredible people of Colorado.” Horabuena, who identifies as a Christian worship artist, is known for her other works featuring figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Mount Rushmore, and Jesus Christ.
Though Horabuena appreciated the acknowledgment, she did not immediately respond to requests for further comments about her work. Meanwhile, Boardman declined to speak on the installation of the new portrait.
Details Surrounding the Replacement
The Horabuena portrait was installed as a temporary addition after a decision made by the advisory committee overseeing art displays at the Capitol. They confirmed on June 26, 2025, that this donated portrait would be displayed for an unspecified period while a more comprehensive assessment of the presidential portrait collection is considered.
Lois Court, chair of the advisory committee and a former state lawmaker, remarked that installing the new artwork felt like the appropriate action. She noted, “There was a blank on the wall. It seemed inappropriate. We knew that the White House had sent us this replacement and it simply made sense to put it up.”
Political Context and Legislative Influence
The advisory committee’s decision to remove Boardman’s portrait occurred in April and was spurred by a request from local Republican leaders. Colorado Democrats, who control the state legislature, supported the removal. This political maneuvering highlights the ongoing tensions and influences within Colorado’s political landscape.
Trump previously shared his sentiments about the Boardman portrait in a March Truth Social post, stating, “Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado, in the State Capitol, put up by the Governor, alongside all other Presidents, was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before.” He further criticized the artist’s perceived favoritism towards other former presidents, stating that the painting of Obama looked “wonderful,” whereas his own was the “worst” he had seen.
Public and Media Response
The transition from Boardman’s painting to Horabuena’s has sparked significant media attention, positioning the event as a reflection of broader societal and political trends. The reactions among Colorado residents and political observers have varied widely. Some view the change as a necessary correction, while others see it as a reflection of deepening political divides.
This event encapsulates the complicated relationship between art and politics, especially in the vibrant atmosphere of the Colorado State Capitol. As political leaders make decisions that influence public sentiment, art becomes a battleground for those feelings.
Looking Ahead
The new portrait is currently displayed in the third floor gallery of the Colorado Capitol, and its future remains uncertain. The advisory committee plans to convene in the coming months to discuss the overall strategy for the presidential portrait collection. This situation could further evolve, especially given the ongoing interest in how public art reflects political sentiment.
The discourse surrounding this portrayal of Trump illustrates the intersection of art, identity, and political power. As more people engage in these discussions, the impact of art in governmental spaces becomes increasingly significant, raising questions about representation and the narratives that shape public perception.
Art is not merely a reflection of taste, but a mirror to our values and debates. The continuing conversation sparked by this portrait change may inspire future discussions about how history is represented in public spaces.
As the Colorado Capitol embraces new artistic contributions, the importance of community dialogue around these choices cannot be underestimated. Moving forward, residents and visitors alike hope for artworks that inspire and unite rather than provoke and divide.
