If you’ve walked past the Frances Perkins Building in Washington, D.C. lately, you’ve probably noticed something a bit... massive. There’s a three-story banner hanging there, featuring the face of Donald Trump, and honestly, it’s hard to miss. This isn't your typical 8x10 framed photo in a hallway. It’s a giant, shadowed portrait of the 45th and 47th president, and it’s sparked a pretty heated debate about what belongs on the side of a federal building.
People are calling it everything from a "transformational" tribute to "Stalinist propaganda." It’s a wild time to be looking at federal real estate.
The Story Behind the Giant Banner
In late August 2025, the Department of Labor (DOL) decided to go big. They draped a massive banner of President Trump’s face right on the front of their headquarters. It sits right next to another banner of Theodore Roosevelt, and it’s emblazoned with the phrase "American Workers FIRST."
Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer hasn't been shy about it. During a cabinet meeting, she actually invited Trump to swing by and see his "big, beautiful face" on the building. She called him the "transformational president of the American worker." Now, whether you agree with that or not, the visual impact is undeniably different from how the DOL usually presents itself.
Usually, these buildings are pretty sterile. You might see a small brass plaque or a modest sign. You don't usually see a three-story vinyl face staring back at you while you're waiting for the light to change on Constitution Avenue.
👉 See also: Why Trump's West Point Speech Still Matters Years Later
How Much Did It Actually Cost?
When people see something this big, the first question is usually: "Who paid for this?"
According to a Department of Labor spokesperson, the Trump banner cost about $6,000. They also pointed out that the banner of Teddy Roosevelt was part of that same initiative.
But not everyone is buying the "it’s just a decoration" argument. Some folks in Congress, like Senator Adam Schiff, have been sounding the alarm. A report from his office basically claimed these banners—which also popped up at the Department of Agriculture—are a waste of taxpayer money and look more like the kind of self-aggrandizing stuff you’d see in an authoritarian country than in a democracy.
The "Ugly" Portrait Drama in Colorado
While the D.C. banner is making waves for its size, there’s another "Department of Labor Trump portrait" story that’s way more personal. It involves a painting by artist Sarah Boardman that hung in the Colorado State Capitol.
Trump absolutely hated it.
✨ Don't miss: Johnny Somali AI Deepfake: What Really Happened in South Korea
He took to Truth Social to call it "truly the worst" and claimed it was "purposefully distorted." He even suggested the artist "lost her talent as she got older." Ouch.
Boardman, who had previously painted a portrait of Barack Obama that Trump actually liked, was devastated. She said she painted it without any bias and that it had received positive reviews for six years before the president chimed in. Eventually, Colorado Republicans had the portrait removed and replaced with a temporary photo donated by the White House because the backlash was just too much.
It’s a weird reminder that even for someone as famous as Trump, the way he’s depicted in "official" art is a huge deal to him.
Is This Even Legal? (The Hatch Act and Propaganda Laws)
This is where things get kinda technical. Federal law is pretty strict about how government money is spent on "propaganda" or "publicity."
🔗 Read more: Sweden School Shooting 2025: What Really Happened at Campus Risbergska
- The Hatch Act: Usually, federal employees can't display campaign materials at work. But there’s an exception for "official photographs" of the President.
- The Propaganda Prohibition: Appropriations bills often say that no funds can be used for "publicity or propaganda purposes."
The debate right now is whether a three-story banner counts as a "traditional portrait" or if it’s a political advertisement. Critics argue the "American Workers FIRST" slogan is a direct tie-in to campaign rhetoric, which would make it a no-no. The administration, however, maintains it’s just acknowledging the current leadership.
What’s Happening Inside the Building?
While the banner is what the public sees, the vibe inside the Department of Labor is reportedly a bit tense. Some employees have told reporters that the building is falling apart—broken bathrooms, doors that don't work—and seeing $6,000 spent on a "vanity banner" feels like a slap in the face.
There's also been a massive shift in the "look and feel" of the department’s internal communications. They’ve started using retro-style posters that some critics say look like 1950s Norman Rockwell paintings mixed with Soviet-era posters. It’s all part of an initiative called Project Firewall, which aims to prioritize "highly skilled American workers."
Practical Steps if You’re Visiting D.C.
If you want to see the Department of Labor Trump portrait for yourself, here’s what you need to know:
- Location: The Frances Perkins Building is at 200 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20210.
- Viewing: You don't need to go inside. The banner is visible from the street, particularly if you’re walking near the National Mall.
- Security: Expect a heavy security presence. In late 2025, there was a notable deployment of National Guard troops in the area, which added to the dramatic look of the banner.
- Photography: You’re free to take photos of the exterior of the building from public sidewalks.
The reality is that these portraits and banners are about more than just art. They're a visual signal of a shift in how the government communicates its identity. Whether you think it’s a bold new era or a step toward something more concerning, the giant face on the Department of Labor isn't going anywhere anytime soon—the contracts for these banners reportedly specify they should last for at least four years.
Keep an eye on the news because as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches in 2026, the administration has already ordered a review of all Smithsonian and federal exhibits to ensure they align with this new vision of "American Exceptionalism." We might be seeing a lot more banners like this one.