In a noteworthy shift within the White House, the official portrait of former President Barack Obama has been relocated from its once-prominent position at the entrance to a much less conspicuous location. This adjustment highlights the ongoing tensions between Obama, the 44th president, and Donald Trump, the 47th president. The movement appears to symbolize a broader disregard for the legacy of Obama and also accentuates the contentious relationship Trump has maintained not only with Obama but also with other past presidents.
The portraits of former Presidents George W. Bush and his father, George H. W. Bush, have similarly been shifted. Under Trump’s directive, the Obama portrait was placed atop the Grand Staircase, as reported by sources familiar with the decision. This staircase serves as an entryway for thousands of visitors each day, but now the portrait is largely out of sight. Adding to this change, the portraits of both Bushes have also been relocated to less visible areas, further suggesting Trump’s intention to diminish the visibility of predecessors he has openly criticized.
Various insiders reveal that President Trump takes an active interest in all aspects regarding the White House’s aesthetic. This involvement extends to how presidential portraits are arranged, with Trump reportedly participating in numerous decisions that affect the visual hierarchy of the White House. A photograph taken by CNN illustrates the Obama portrait hanging in a corner at the top of the stairwell, a location characterized by its restricted access, available only to the first family, Secret Service agents, and select staff.
It’s significant to note that this isn’t the first time the portrait of Obama has been repositioned. Earlier this year, it was moved from the Grand Foyer, where it had been on display, to be replaced by a painting depicting Trump’s heroic survival of an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. This audacious change contradicts established White House protocol, which dictates that recent ex-presidents’ portraits should occupy the most visible spaces within the mansion as a sign of respect.
Interestingly, the formal portrait of current President Joe Biden has not yet been completed, leading to discussions about whether this absence affects the portrait placements of his predecessors. The maneuvering of Obama’s portrait can easily be interpreted as yet another slight from Trump towards a political rival, intensifying the hostilities that have characterized their interactions over the years.
Recent months have seen an escalation in tensions between Trump and Obama. In a noteworthy exchange, Trump accused Obama and high-ranking members of his administration of treason during the election year of 2016. In response, Obama’s office labeled Trump’s claims as “outrageous” and “bizarre,” deeming them a feeble distraction from pressing issues. The environment of dispute was further compounded when Trump’s FBI director, Pamela Bondi, initiated a grand jury investigation into allegations regarding the manipulation of intelligence data related to Russian interference in the same election.
Furthermore, the longstanding tensions between Trump and the Bush family cannot be overlooked. The late George H. W. Bush openly criticized Trump in his memoir, branding him a “blowhard” and even choosing to vote for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. In a subtle yet significant gesture, George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush attended the inauguration of Trump in 2025 but selected not to participate in the luncheon that followed the ceremony.
Despite reaching out for comments from both the White House and the White House Historical Association, responses have been minimal. A spokesperson for Obama’s office refrained from commenting on the ongoing developments. Notably, during Trump’s first term, he initiated a similar replacement of portraits—removing those of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush in favor of depictions of earlier presidents such as William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
Traditionally, the funding and commissioning of presidential portraits have evolved over time. The modern practice of publicly honoring presidents through portraits commenced in the early 1960s under the guidance of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Before this structured approach, portrait commissioning could often appear random, funded either by Congress, purchased by friends, or even established by the presidents themselves.
In the contemporary context, the unveiling of presidential portraits has transformed into a ritualized event that includes invitations extended to former staff, family, and friends, reflecting a spirit of generosity. As former White House curator Betty Monkman pointed out, such ceremonies signify the current administration’s acknowledgment of its predecessors, fabricating connections that promote unity around a shared historical narrative.
