Full Breakdown
Donald Trump Seeks New Official Portrait Amidst Smithsonian Tradition
2/16/2026, 8:16:39 PM
Presidential Portrait Tradition and Current Controversy
President Donald Trump is requesting a new official portrait to accompany the existing collection at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. This request is unusual, as tradition dictates that each president receives a single official portrait after leaving office. The current portrait, painted by Ronald Sherr, depicts Trump at a rally with the White House in the background and has not yet been publicly unveiled. The delay in its display is attributed to Trump's ongoing candidacy for a second term, which complicates the gallery's customary practice of showcasing portraits only after a president has permanently exited office.
The Request for a Second Portrait
The White House, through spokesperson Davis Ingle, confirmed Trump's desire for a new painting that would represent both his 45th and anticipated 47th terms. 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 statement underscores Trump's view that the existing portrait is a remnant of his first term, and he believes a new commission would better reflect his entire presidency.
Background on the Current Portrait
The portrait by Ronald Sherr was commissioned after Trump left office in January 2021 and was completed shortly before Sherr's death in 2022. Despite its completion, the National Portrait Gallery has not displayed it due to Trump's announcement of his re-election campaign. The gallery traditionally waits until a president has fully left office to hang their portrait, which has led to the current awkward situation where Trump's first portrait remains unseen.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have raised questions about Trump's motivations for requesting a second portrait. Some speculate that his dissatisfaction with artistic representations of himself, including a previous complaint about an unflattering Time magazine cover, may influence his decision. Trump's history of criticizing images he deems unflattering suggests a pattern of aversion to portrayals that do not align with his self-image.
Official Responses and Future Implications
The National Portrait Gallery has not yet received a formal request for a new portrait, and its staff reiterated that the established protocol is to display portraits only after a president's term has concluded. If the gallery declines to commission a second portrait, it could lead to further discussions about the implications of presidential imagery and the evolving nature of historical representation in art.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
- “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 Spokesperson
In summary, Trump's request for a new official portrait raises questions about tradition, representation, and the intersection of art and politics, reflecting broader debates about how history is documented and perceived.
