Trump Removes Obama Portrait: In a stunning and highly symbolic move, Donald Trump removes Obama portrait from its long-held place of honor at the White House, replacing it with a dramatic painting of himself.
The image depicts the moment he survived an assassination attempt during a July 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania — a powerful visual now occupying the very space where Barack Obama’s official portrait once hung.
The decision marks a blatant break from tradition and underscores Trump’s ongoing political feud with America’s first Black president.
The newly installed painting shows a bloodied Trump raising his fist in defiance, shouting “fight!” after the attempt on his life.
The scene mirrors a now-iconic Associated Press photograph from the Butler rally.
While the White House has not revealed the artist’s name, the intention is clear: to elevate his narrative of survival, strength, and defiance.
Observers say the bold placement of the portrait sends a message about how Trump views his place in American history — not as just another president, but as a historic figure above all others.
Drawing Fierce Backlash
Critics were quick to pounce on the change, accusing Trump of disrespecting tradition and erasing the legacy of his predecessor. Obama’s portrait, which had hung prominently near the grand staircase, has now been shifted to a quieter, less visible location.
“The Obama portrait was just moved a few feet away,” said White House Communications Director Steven Cheung in a dismissive post on X. In response to online criticism, Cheung added bluntly: “Pipe down, moron.” Despite the clarification, the optics remain powerful
Breaking Tradition
Typically, presidents do not have their portraits installed in central White House locations until after they leave office. Trump has not only skipped this unwritten rule but also overriden the legacy of a former president to make room for his own image.
By choosing to install a painting of himself while still in office — and removing Obama’s portrait in the process — Trump has once again signaled his disregard for presidential norms. The controversy is just the latest example of his unorthodox approach to leadership and legacy.
Ongoing Rivalry
The deep political and personal rivalry between Trump and Obama dates back more than a decade. Trump’s political rise was fueled by the racist “birther” conspiracy theory, falsely claiming that Obama was not born in the U.S. Obama, in turn, famously mocked Trump during the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner — a moment many believe sparked Trump’s presidential ambitions.
Now, years later, Trump removes Obama portrait in a move that many interpret as a final blow in their long-running feud.
Online Reaction Explodes
Social media erupted after the official White House account posted a video of Trump’s portrait being installed with the caption: “Some new artwork at the White House.” Within minutes, the internet was ablaze with criticism, memes, and political commentary.
Supporters hailed the portrait as a celebration of Trump’s resilience, while critics accused him of turning the White House into a personal shrine. Regardless of the viewpoint, the fact remains
Trump’s Self-Image on Full Display
This isn’t Trump’s first foray into self-celebration. He recently added a gold-framed version of his mugshot outside the Oval Office and unveiled a towering bronze statue at Mar-a-Lago featuring his pose after the Butler shooting.
In each case — and especially now that the former president is actively curating his own legacy, one dramatic image at a time.
