Full Breakdown
Trump Seeks New Official Portrait Amidst Controversy
2/13/2026, 9:57:52 PM
Background on Presidential Portraits
The tradition of unveiling an official presidential portrait typically occurs after a president leaves office, with the artwork displayed in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery as part of the “America’s Presidents” exhibition. However, Donald Trump's official portrait, painted by Ronald Sherr, has yet to be publicly exhibited since its completion in 2021. This delay is attributed to Trump's announcement in 2022 that he would run for a second presidential term, as the gallery does not display portraits until a president has permanently left office.
Trump's Request for a New Portrait
Recently, reports indicate that Trump is seeking a new portrait to represent both his 45th and potential 47th presidential terms. White House spokesman Davis Ingle confirmed that Trump appreciates the original portrait but believes it represents only his first term. Ingle stated, “President Trump was appreciative of the portrait created for his 45th term, and looks forward to seeing the completion of a portrait that will encapsulate both his 45th and 47th presidential terms.” This request raises questions about the significance of the original portrait, which Sherr's widow, Lois Sherr, described as capturing Trump's energy and resolve during his rallies.
Smithsonian's Response and Ongoing Tensions
Despite Trump's request for a new portrait, a spokesperson for the National Portrait Gallery stated they were “unaware” of any request for a second portrait. The gallery has faced scrutiny from Trump, who has previously expressed dissatisfaction with how his presidency is represented in museum exhibitions. In April 2025, Trump issued an executive order aimed at reshaping how American history is presented at the Smithsonian, demanding the removal of what he termed “improper ideology.” This included a directive to eliminate references to his impeachments from exhibition labels.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about Trump's attempts to control the narrative surrounding his presidency. Some argue that his actions reflect a broader effort to sanitize historical accounts and diminish the significance of controversial aspects of his tenure. The National Portrait Gallery's decision to replace the original portrait's label with a “tombstone label,” which omits biographical details, has also drawn criticism for lacking context about Trump's presidency.
Verbatim Quotes
- “President Trump was appreciative of the portrait created for his 45th term, and looks forward to seeing the completion of a portrait that will encapsulate both his 45th and 47th presidential terms,” — Davis Ingle, White House Spokesman
- “What sets this portrait by Ron apart is that he captured Trump’s movement, energy and feeling of absolute resolve,” — Lois Sherr, Widow of Ronald Sherr
What's Next?
As Trump continues to navigate his political future, the fate of his official portrait remains uncertain. The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery has not confirmed any plans for a new commission, and the original portrait remains in limbo, with only a placeholder photograph currently displayed. The ongoing dialogue surrounding Trump's legacy and representation in American history is likely to evolve as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election.
