You’d think a simple oil painting in a quiet hallway would be the least controversial thing in a city like Denver. But when you’re talking about a painting in Denver CO of Trump, "quiet" isn't exactly part of the vocabulary.
Honestly, the story of what's hanging (or not hanging) on the third floor of the Colorado State Capitol is a wild ride of internet trolling, high-stakes art criticism, and a very stressed-out painter from Colorado Springs. If you haven't been following the drama, the Mile High City basically became ground zero for a debate over what a president should actually look like on canvas.
The Portrait That Set Truth Social on Fire
For six years, a portrait of Donald Trump sat in the Capitol’s "Gallery of Presidents." It was a classic realist piece by artist Sarah Boardman. Most people walked past it without a second glance. Then, in March 2025, the subject himself weighed in.
Trump took to Truth Social and didn't hold back. He called the work "purposefully distorted" and "truly the worst." He even went after Boardman personally, suggesting she’d "lost her talent as she got older." Ouch.
The weirdest part? He actually praised Boardman’s portrait of Barack Obama, which hangs in the same gallery, calling it "wonderful."
✨ Don't miss: The CIA Stars on the Wall: What the Memorial Really Represents
Why the artist says it wasn't a "hit job"
Boardman, who has a 41-year career and has painted portraits for the military and other high-ranking officials, was understandably blindsided. She’s gone on record saying the reference photo was approved by the Capitol Building Advisory Committee and that her goal was a "non-confrontational" look—basically, Trump without the Twitter (now X) energy.
The fallout was instant:
- The painting was yanked off the wall within 24 hours.
- A blank space was left behind, which tourists started calling "The Invisible President."
- Boardman reported that her business was "in danger of not recovering" because of the negative press.
A New Face on the Wall
By July 2025, the "blank spot" problem was solved, but not without more headlines. The White House stepped in and donated a replacement. This new version was painted by Vanessa Horabuena, an Arizona-based "Christian worship artist" known for speed-painting at live events.
If the first painting was "too soft," this one is the opposite. It’s based on his 2025 inaugural portrait—sharper, sterner, and definitely more in line with the image the Trump team wants to project.
🔗 Read more: Passive Resistance Explained: Why It Is Way More Than Just Standing Still
Quick Facts: The Denver Capitol Portraits
- Original Artist: Sarah Boardman (Colorado Springs).
- Replacement Artist: Vanessa Horabuena (Tempe, AZ).
- Funding: The first one was crowd-funded by Colorado Republicans ($10,000+). The second was a White House donation.
- Location: 3rd Floor Rotunda, Colorado State Capitol.
Street Art and the "Shithole" Incident
While the Capitol drama is the most recent, Denver’s streets have their own history with Trump-related art. Back in 2018, a mural appeared near 40th and Colorado Blvd that was anything but "non-confrontational."
The anonymous artist Belove painted a massive piece featuring the word "shithole" with an arrow pointing toward a depiction of Trump’s mouth. It was a direct response to comments the then-president reportedly made about African nations.
The city repainted that wall within days.
Then there were the "No Trump Anytime" signs by the L.A. street artist Plastic Jesus. These looked exactly like Denver parking signs but carried a very different message. They popped up around the city shortly after the 2016 election, showing that the Mile High City’s art scene has been wrestling with this specific subject for nearly a decade.
💡 You might also like: What Really Happened With the Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz
Why Does This Matter in 2026?
You might think, "It’s just a painting, who cares?" But in Denver, this has sparked a massive debate about how we use public space.
There is a serious proposal now from the Capitol Building Advisory Committee to ditch the presidential portraits entirely. Why? Because they want to make room for Colorado’s governors.
Colorado is turning 150 in 2026 (the big Sesquicentennial). Some officials, like Lois Court, think the third-floor rotunda should celebrate local history rather than national figures who might never even visit the building. The Trump controversy basically gave them the excuse they needed to start that conversation.
What You Should Know if You Visit
If you’re heading to the Capitol to see the painting in Denver CO of Trump for yourself, keep a few things in mind:
- Check the 3rd Floor: The Gallery of Presidents is in the rotunda. It’s free to enter, but you’ll have to go through security.
- Look for the Contrast: Compare the Horabuena portrait to the others nearby. Most of the older ones (painted by Lawrence Williams) have a very specific, muted "Old Master" vibe. The new Trump portrait stands out because it’s much "crisper" and more modern.
- The Governor Shift: Don’t be surprised if the layout changes. By the end of 2026, those walls might look very different if the committee votes to swap presidents for governors.
Actionable Insight for Art Lovers
If you’re interested in the intersection of politics and art in Denver, don't just stop at the Capitol. Walk through the RiNo (River North) Art District. While the specific Trump murals mentioned above are mostly gone (street art is temporary by nature), the spirit of political commentary is still very much alive in the murals there.
Next Steps:
If you want to see the official replacement, the Colorado State Capitol is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. No tickets are required to walk the public hallways, but it's worth checking their schedule if you want a guided tour of the dome as well.