You’ve probably seen the headlines, but the reality of the Donald Trump new portrait situation is a lot more complicated than just a fresh coat of paint or a new frame. It’s about how a sitting president wants to be remembered while he’s still in the Oval Office.
Walking into the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery this week, things look... different. Just a few days ago, on January 11, 2026, the gallery quietly updated the display for the 45th and 47th president. It wasn't just a swap of a picture. It was a complete overhaul of the narrative. The previous text block, which laid out the gritty details of his first term—including both impeachments—is gone.
Basically, the museum is in the middle of a "larger refresh." But for now, Donald Trump is the only president in the "American Presidents" exhibit without an extended biographical text block next to his face.
The Man Behind the Desk: A Closer Look at the 2026 Update
The image currently staring back at visitors was captured by White House photographer Daniel Torok. It’s intense. Trump is leaning over the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, brow furrowed, looking like he’s in the middle of a high-stakes negotiation.
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White House spokesman Davis Ingle didn't mince words about the change. He said the new photograph ensures Trump’s “unmatched aura” is felt throughout the gallery halls. It’s a far cry from the traditional, smiling portraits we've seen from other presidents.
Why the sudden change?
- The "Mugshot" Comparison: Earlier versions of his second-term portrait, released shortly after the 2025 inauguration, were criticized for "uplighting"—lighting from below that many felt looked too much like his famous Georgia mugshot.
- Narrative Control: The removal of the impeachment mentions is a massive shift. While those details are still in the online records, the physical plaque is currently blank.
- Artistic Duality: Experts like Jeff Whetstone from Princeton have noted that these new photos use dramatic, one-sided lighting. It’s a style reminiscent of the famous 1941 Winston Churchill portrait by Yousuf Karsh.
The Controversy in Colorado: Paintings vs. Photos
It isn't just Washington, D.C. seeing a Donald Trump new portrait shake-up. Out in Denver, the Colorado State Capitol had its own drama. For years, a painting by Sarah A. Boardman hung in the gallery of presidents. Trump hated it. He famously claimed the artist "must have lost her talent as she got older" and "purposely distorted" his image.
By July 2025, that painting was yanked down and sent to museum storage. In its place? A work by Vanessa Horabuena, a "Christian worship artist" from Arizona. Horabuena is known for her live-painting sessions, including a recent New Year’s Eve event at Mar-a-Lago where she painted a portrait of Jesus that auctioned for $2.75 million.
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The new Colorado painting is based on his 2025 inaugural photo. It’s crisper, sterner, and—at the president's request—features a golden border designed to "catch the light."
The "Presidential Walk of Fame" and the Future of the Smithsonian
If you think the museum changes are a one-off, you haven't seen the "Presidential Walk of Fame" at the White House. It’s a collection of gilded photographs of past presidents, but with a sharp twist. While Trump’s own plaques highlight his "unmatched success," the spot for Joe Biden is occupied by an "autopen" signature rather than a formal photo, accompanied by a plaque calling him the "worst president in American history."
This reflects a broader trend of the administration exerting influence over how history is documented. Trump has already called for a review of Smithsonian content, aiming to replace what he calls "divisive narratives" with a focus on "American exceptionalism."
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Key Differences in Portrait Styles
In his first term, the official 2017 portrait by Shealah Craighead showed a smiling Trump in front of an open window in the Oval Office. It was traditional. It was "safe."
Compare that to the 2026 imagery. The smiles are gone. The lighting is moody. The backdrops are often dark or feature streaks of orange that some critics have compared to fire. It's a deliberate pivot toward a "tougher" aesthetic.
What This Means for History Buffs and Visitors
If you're planning to visit the National Portrait Gallery this Spring, expect a "larger refresh." The museum has hinted that more changes are coming to the "American Presidents" gallery.
For now, the Donald Trump new portrait remains a placeholder of sorts. Traditionally, sitting presidents are represented by photographs. The official oil painting—the one that will hang permanently alongside Washington and Lincoln—usually isn't commissioned until after a president leaves office. Given how much the current administration cares about visual branding, that future painting is likely to be one of the most debated pieces of art in American history.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
- Check the labels: Look at the text blocks for Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton. As of today, their impeachment references remain, making the empty space next to Trump’s portrait even more striking.
- Notice the lighting: Pay attention to how the "Karsh style" lighting on the new photo creates a sense of depth and shadow that wasn't present in the 2017 version.
- Follow the refresh: The Smithsonian's Spring 2026 update will likely redefine how the 21st-century presidency is displayed. Keep an eye on their official press releases for the unveiling of any new commissioned works.
The visual record of a presidency is never just about a face. It’s about power, legacy, and who gets to write the captions.