White House replaces Obama's portrait with Trump's assassination attempt picture

ANI April 12, 2025 238 views

In a surprising move, the White House has replaced Barack Obama's portrait with a dramatic painting depicting Donald Trump's near-assassination at a Pennsylvania campaign rally. The artwork, created by Marc Lipp and gifted by Parkland victim's father Andrew Pollack, shows Trump defiantly raising his fist with blood splattered across his face. The portrait has sparked controversy, with some social media users criticizing the display as exhibiting "dictator energy". White House officials confirm Obama's original portrait remains in a prominent location within the White House.

"Obama remains in the Entrance Hall of the White House State Floor" - Harrison Fields, White House Press Secretary
Washington DC, April 12: A new portrait of President Donald Trump was swapped with that of former President Barack Obama in the hallway of the White House on Friday (local time).

Key Points

1

Painting shows Trump defiant after assassination attempt with blood and flag

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Artist Marc Lipp creates dramatic portrayal of July campaign rally

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Andrew Pollack, Parkland victim's father, gifts controversial artwork

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Portrait placed in Grand Foyer of East Wing

The painting depicts Trump moments after a bullet grazed his ear during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July. Trump is shown defiantly raising his fist in the air with blood splattered across his face and the American flag in the background.

Special Assistant to the President and White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields clarified in a post on X that "Obama remains in the Entrance Hall of the White House State Floor."

https://x.com/HFields47/status/1910779398770593801

The portrait is displayed in the Grand Foyer of the East Wing, while former President Barack Obama's portrait has been relocated to the Entrance Hall of the White House State Floor.

Fields' post shows that the Obama painting is still hanging in a prime spot, overlooking former President Franklin D Roosevelt's Steinway grand piano, as reported by the New York Post.

As per the New York Post, the new painting--which appears to be an artistic interpretation of one of the iconic images captured by New York Times photographer Doug Mills in Butler, Pa., last July--is hanging in a prominent spot in the Grand Foyer of the East Wing of the White House, social media posts from the White House and White House officials show.

https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1910764795382349948

The artwork depicts Trump, with blood splattered across his face and the American flag in the background, defiantly raising his fist in the air as Secret Service agents attempt to shield and rush him off stage.

The artist behind the painting is Marc Lipp, and Andrew Pollack gifted the piece to the White House, a White House official told The Post.

Pollack is an author and school safety advocate whose 18-year-old daughter, Meadow, was among the 17 students killed in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Trump has added his personal touch all over the West Wing since taking office in January, as per NYP.

The President has added ornate, gold flourishes to the furniture, fireplace and walls of the Oval Office, reminiscent of the decor at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump has also lined the West Wing with the front pages of The Post that chronicle his stunning political comeback.

Some social media users have criticized the move, calling it "dictator energy" and questioning Trump's priorities. Typically, paintings of presidents and first ladies are hung in the White House after they have left office.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
Powerful statement! That moment showed true presidential strength. The portrait captures an important moment in history. 🇺🇸
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Michael T.
I appreciate the historical significance, but isn't it unusual to display a sitting president's portrait in the White House? Feels a bit premature.
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Jamal R.
The artist did an amazing job capturing that moment. Regardless of politics, that was an incredibly brave response to an assassination attempt.
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Amanda L.
Interesting choice of artwork. I wonder what message they're trying to send with this specific moment rather than a more traditional portrait?
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David P.
The fact that it was gifted by Andrew Pollack, who lost his daughter in Parkland, adds a meaningful layer to this. Shows unity in the face of violence.
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Tiffany B.
While I understand the significance, I think we should be careful about glorifying moments of violence in our national spaces. The White House should represent unity, not division.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Donald Trump White House Portrait Assassination Attempt Marc Lipp Andrew Pollack Presidential Art
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