In a move that highlights ongoing tensions between past and current U.S. Presidents, Donald Trump ordered the relocation of Barack Obama’s official portrait within the White House. Previously displayed prominently in the entrance hall, the portrait now resides at the top of a private staircase, out of view of the public. This change is seen as a symbolic act, as the protocol typically requires that the portraits of recent presidents be displayed in prominent, visible areas for visitors.
A Hidden Relocation
Trump’s decision to move Obama’s portrait to a less visible location is significant. According to CNN, the portrait now hangs on the landing of a staircase leading to the private quarters of the president, an area strictly off-limits to the public. The move comes after Trump’s installation of a new painting of himself, created by pop artist Marc Lipp, replacing Obama’s portrait in the main entrance. This new piece, which depicts a scene of Trump surviving an assassination attempt in 2024, has sparked significant attention.
Additionally, the portraits of both George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush, have been similarly moved to the same hidden location in the White House, out of sight of the general public. This action reflects Trump’s strained relationships with the Bush family, particularly with George W. Bush, whom Trump has referred to as a “failed” president.
Tensions Between Trump and Obama
The decision to move Obama’s portrait coincides with rising tensions between the two presidents. Trump recently accused Obama’s administration of orchestrating a “coup” during the 2016 election, alleging that false intelligence regarding Russian interference had been fabricated. These accusations were met with strong denials from Obama’s team, calling the claims “scandalous” and a “distraction.” Furthermore, Trump directed his Attorney General, Pamela Bondi, to open an investigation into these allegations.
The Bushes and Trump’s Ongoing Discontent
Trump’s relationship with the Bush family has also been strained for years. Former President George H.W. Bush, who passed away in 2018, famously referred to Trump as a “blowhard” and voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. While George W. Bush attended Trump’s 2025 inauguration, he, along with his wife, Laura Bush, skipped the subsequent luncheon, signaling their ongoing distance from the current president.
This latest act of moving portraits highlights the persistent political and personal divisions between Trump and these former presidents, with their legacies being tucked away in the private recesses of the White House.
