A new official portrait of former President Donald Trump has been mounted in the Colorado State Capitol following months of controversy surrounding its predecessor — a painting Trump publicly criticized as unflattering.
The fresh portrait, unveiled this week, was painted by Vanessa Horabuena, an artist based in Tempe, Arizona, and known for her faith-inspired and patriotic artworks. The image, described by observers as crisper and more commanding, replaces a 2019 painting by Colorado Springs artist Sarah Boardman, which had occupied the Capitol’s presidential gallery for over five years.
Tensions flared last spring when Trump blasted Boardman’s work on social media, accusing the artist of distorting his likeness and saying she “must have lost her talent as she got older.” Boardman dismissed the claims, but within days, lawmakers acted. The portrait was quietly removed from display and placed in museum storage.
The White House later sent the Horabuena painting as a replacement. Lois Court, chair of the Capitol Building Advisory Committee, confirmed that the portrait was officially installed after a Thursday decision by the committee.
“There was a blank on the wall. It seemed inappropriate,” Court said. “We knew that the White House had sent us this replacement and it simply made sense to put it up.”
On Tuesday, the Capitol remained quiet, with lawmakers out of session and few visitors in attendance. A handful of tourists paused to take photographs of the newly hung portrait.
Trump acknowledged the installation on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing, “Thank you to the Highly Talented Artist, Vanessa Horabuena, and the incredible people of Colorado.”
Horabuena, who did not respond to requests for comment, is known for previous works depicting Trump, Abraham Lincoln, Mount Rushmore, and religious scenes, including images of Jesus Christ.
However, the portrait may not remain in the Capitol permanently. The advisory committee is currently considering replacing the presidential portrait gallery with images of past Colorado governors in time for the state’s 150th anniversary next year.
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