Most former presidents leave office and wait for their official painting to be unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. It is usually a formal and symbolic moment.
But Trump’s portrait has never been shown to the public.
The painting was completed after he left office in 2021. Now, with Trump back in power for a second term, a new reason may explain the delay. He would prefer a different image.
“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,” a White House spokesman, Davis Ingle, confirmed in a statement.
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The Portrait Gallery traditionally commissions an artist once a president leaves office. The work is then displayed in its “America’s Presidents” exhibition.
In Trump’s case, the first portrait was painted by the artist Ronald Sherr. It showed Trump at a rally, with flags behind him and the White House in the background.
But it was never exhibited.
By the time the gallery accepted the painting in 2022, Trump had already announced another presidential run. The museum does not hang painted portraits until a president has permanently left office.
White House officials said Trump now views that portrait as tied to his first term only. They believe a newly commissioned portrait would better represent his entire time in office.
However, a spokeswoman for the gallery said the institution was unaware of such a request. Sherr’s widow, Lois Sherr, said her husband believed Trump had spoken warmly about the finished painting.
“What sets this portrait by Ron apart,” Ms. Sherr said, “is that he captured Trump’s movement, energy and feeling of absolute resolve.”
The portrait was funded through $650,000 raised by a political action committee affiliated with Trump, which then donated the money to the Smithsonian.
Earlier this year, administration officials asked for the portrait to be sent from the museum to the White House. Officials said it remains there. A spokesman did not respond to requests to view or photograph it.
Inside the museum’s exhibition, Trump is currently represented by a photograph. It serves as a placeholder until a painted portrait is officially installed. That photograph was recently replaced with one Trump preferred. At the same time, the museum removed wall text that referred to his two impeachments
When the change was noted, the Portrait Gallery released a statement.
“For some new exhibitions and displays, the museum has been exploring quotes or tombstone labels, which provide only general information, such as the artist’s name,” the statement said. “The history of presidential impeachments continues to be represented in our museums.”
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
