A new presidential portrait of Donald Trump now hangs in the Colorado Capitol—this one with the former president’s personal approval—after his criticism led to the removal of the previous artwork.
The newly installed painting, created by Tempe-based artist Vanessa Horabuena, was donated by the White House and officially mounted this week. Horabuena’s version presents a sharper and more commanding image of Trump, in stark contrast to the previous portrait painted by Colorado Springs artist Sarah Boardman, which had been displayed since 2019.
Trump Slammed Earlier Portrait, Prompting Removal
In a social media post last spring, Trump mocked Boardman’s work, claiming she had “lost her talent” and “purposely distorted” his appearance. Boardman denied the accusations, but just a day after Trump’s remarks, state officials announced the painting would be taken down. It was quietly removed the next day and placed into museum storage.
New Painting Quietly Installed
The Horabuena portrait was approved for display by Lois Court, chair of the Capitol Building Advisory Committee and a former state lawmaker. She said the decision was straightforward.
“There was a blank on the wall. It seemed inappropriate. We knew the White House had sent us this replacement, and it simply made sense to put it up,” Court explained.
Horabuena, who describes herself as a “Christian worship artist,” has painted several other portraits of Trump, as well as depictions of Abraham Lincoln, Jesus Christ, and Mount Rushmore.
Trump Responds on Truth Social
Trump celebrated the new portrait online, writing:
“Thank you to the Highly Talented Artist, Vanessa Horabuena, and the incredible people of Colorado.”
As of Tuesday, the Capitol was quiet with lawmakers out of session, but a few visitors paused to take photos of the updated display.
Will the Portrait Stay?
Despite the new painting’s installation, its future is uncertain. The Capitol Building Advisory Committee is considering replacing all presidential portraits in the rotunda with images of past Colorado governors to commemorate the state’s 150th anniversary in 2026.
Horabuena did not respond to media requests for comment.
