Trump Raised Fist Painting: Donald Trump moved photos of other presidents as Butler attempted to assassinate the iconic fist painting. Here is his picture ending up on the stairs
Although Obama’s portrait has not been completely removed – now hanging across the hall, during the official event, it was Trump’s painting. The change was confirmed by two separate officials and installed early Friday morning, according to a CNN report.
Why did Trump’s raised fist painting replace Obama’s portrait?
Traditionally, the latest U.S. president has been honored in the foyer of the White House hall, where portraits can be seen in visits to VIPs and major public ceremonies. Although Donald Trump’s official portrait of president has not yet appeared, he personally chose this special painting to fill the space.
The painting, inspired by dramatic news photos, was taken just seconds after a shooting attempt in July 2024, capturing Trump’s clenched right fist, blood on his face and a provocative look – a moment that has since become a campaign symbol. The original photo was taken by Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci and New York Times photographer Doug Mills.
The White House tradition usually does not contain unofficial images, but Trump’s decision reflects similar moves in his first term when he removed portraits of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush from the foyer and replaced them with portraits of William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
What happened to other portraits of the president?
With Trump’s Butler rally paintings now hanging where Obama once went, the reshuffle didn’t stop there. Obama’s portrait has been moved to a place that once featured George W. Bush. In turn, Bush’s portrait is now moved near the White House stairs to be displayed with his father, George HW Bush. This new arrangement maintains a tradition of respecting past presidents while making room for Trump’s preferred image to dominate the hall. Although unusual in choosing an image, this move is still within the president’s discretion. According to former White House curator Betty Monkman, the president may have an impact on how portraits are presented. The more formal tradition of unveiling the official portrait began with Jacqueline Kennedy in the early 1960s, aiming to provide continuity and a sense of respect between executives.
Who painted Trump’s Butler rally portrait and who funded it?
As of now, it is unclear who or who the artist behind the painting of Trump’s raised fist was funded by it. However, it is known that the painting was brought into the West Wing on Tuesday morning and quietly hung on Friday without a ceremony.
Historically, the official portraits of the president and first lady were privately funded, often with the help of nonprofits such as the White House Historical Association. For Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, their upcoming official portraits will be released at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. They are backed by private funds, including a $650,000 donation from Trump’s Save America PAC, as well as additional private donations to cover artist fees, frameworks, shipping and installation costs.
Interestingly, the National Portrait Gallery already has another image related to Trump in its series – Michael O’Brien’s 1989 photo shows Trump throwing red apples while wearing a suit.
How does this shift in White House art reflect Trump’s messaging?
It’s not just a painting, it’s a message. By choosing this image from Butler’s assassination attempts to traditional official portraits, Trump is working to study narratives of survival, strength and personal sacrifice. It’s a vision that strengthens his political brand and brings energy to his supporters the 2024 election.
Over the past few years, official portrait unveiling is often a bipartisan matter. The President and First Lady invite their exes, employees and families to celebrate the continuity of the U.S. leadership. This tradition continues to develop, and Trump’s latest move shows how visual effects within the White House are as politically accused as the policies that arise from it.
CNN reported that it contacted the White House Historical Association for further comments, but has not responded. A spokesman for Barack Obama also declined to comment on the move.
FAQ:
Why did Trump’s elevated painting replace Obama’s portrait at the White House?
Because Trump wants Butler’s rally to be the center stage where official portraits usually hang.
Where is Obama’s portrait now after installing Trump’s paintings?
It was moved in the foyer, which was previously shown in the portrait of George W. Bush.
