Things got heated online Friday after the White House unveiled a new painting of Donald Trump hanging in the Grand Foyer- and let’s say not everyone’s thrilled about it.
The portrait, which shows the former president raising a bloodied fist in the air beneath the American flag, replaces a picture of Barack Obama. According to CNN, officials have moved Obama’s portrait across the Grand Foyer but haven’t removed it completely. That slight shift, though, lit a big fire under critics across social media.
Public Reactions Pour In
The official White House account on X (formerly Twitter) posted the image Friday, prompting a flood of backlash. Many users were quick to call the artwork “self-obsessed” and “cringe,” arguing it reflects more about Trump’s ego than leadership.
Some new artwork at the White House 👀 pic.twitter.com/l6u5u7k82T
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 11, 2025
“It’s super weird to be so self-obsessed—as the president,” one person wrote. “Y’all make a mockery of the White House. It’s clear who he puts first when it’s a question of him or the American people.”
It’s super weird to be so self obsessed—as the president. Y’all make a mockery of the White House.
— Timothy Bellman (@Timothy_Bellman) April 11, 2025
It’s clear who he puts first when it’s a question of him or the American people.
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Another user didn’t hold back either, tweeting, “This is so cringe pls delete.”
this is so cringe pls delete
— Dean Withers (@itsdeaann) April 11, 2025
Others questioned the timing and priorities of the move. “Crashed the economy out of pure stupidity and Trump’s first move is to try to own the libs with tacky artwork,” one commenter said.
Crashed the economy out of pure stupidity and Trump's first move is to try to own the libs with tacky artwork https://t.co/8ncQ6Dc9qN
— Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) April 11, 2025
Longtime critics of Donald Trump’s aesthetic choices didn’t find themselves surprised. During his first term, Trump moved the portraits of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, sparking similar controversy. This latest change seems to follow that same playbook.
The painting itself captures a dramatic moment from last summer’s assassination attempt on Trump. It shows him with blood on his face and his fist raised, a scene many feel doesn’t belong in the White House’s main hallway. Some supporters, however, see it as a symbol of resilience.
Trump has not addressed the uproar publicly, but the portrait speaks loudly on its own. Replacing Obama’s image, even temporarily, has drawn criticism not just for the swap but for what many see as an ongoing attempt to reshape presidential tradition with personal imagery.
While some argue the White House should reflect all its presidents, others believe this latest change crosses the line. For now, the portrait hangs, the comments keep coming, and the foyer feels a little more crowded, both with paintings and opinions.
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