On April 11, 2025, the White House unveiled a striking new painting in its Grand Foyer, replacing the official portrait of former President Barack Obama with a dramatic depiction of President Donald Trump. The artwork captures the moment Trump raised his fist in defiance after surviving an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024. AP News
The painting, created by artist Marc Lipp, portrays Trump with blood on his face, surrounded by Secret Service agents, and an American flag in the background. This image is based on a widely circulated photograph taken during the incident, which became emblematic of Trump’s resilience and was prominently featured in his 2024 campaign. New York Post
The decision to replace Obama’s portrait has sparked significant discussion. Traditionally, the Grand Foyer displays portraits of the two most recent presidents. With Joe Biden’s official portrait still pending, Obama’s and George W. Bush’s portraits were previously featured. Following the change, Obama’s portrait was relocated across the Grand Foyer, replacing Bush’s, which was moved to a nearby staircase. People.com
The White House announced the new artwork via its official social media channels, captioning the post with “Some new artwork at the White House.” The image quickly garnered widespread attention and elicited a range of reactions from the public and political commentators. The Indian Express
This move is seen by many as a departure from established White House traditions. Presidential portraits are typically introduced during bipartisan ceremonies hosted by the sitting president. Trump did not host Obama for his portrait unveiling, which later occurred during Joe Biden’s presidency in 2022. AP News
The painting was donated to the White House by Andrew Pollack, a school safety advocate whose daughter was a victim of the 2018 Parkland school shooting. Pollack has been an outspoken supporter of Trump and his policies. New York Post
The installation of this painting underscores the ongoing influence of Trump in American politics and the symbolic power of presidential imagery. As visitors pass through the Grand Foyer, the new artwork serves as a potent reminder of a pivotal moment in recent history and the enduring impact of presidential narratives.
