White House Replaces Obama Portrait With Painting Of Trump After Assassination Attempt

A Bold Artistic Statement Inside the White House

In a move that has sparked widespread attention, the White House has replaced the official portrait of former President Barack Obama with a dramatic image of former President Donald Trump captured in the immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt during a Butler, Pennsylvania rally in July 2024.

The new painting shows Trump with a raised fist, bloodied but defiant, standing before a waving American flag—an image intended to portray resilience and patriotism.

Where the Portrait Is Displayed

The painting is now prominently displayed at the base of the Grand Staircase inside the White House—a highly visible and symbolic location previously occupied by Obama’s official portrait.

The new Trump portrait seems to have replaced the lifelike image of Barack Obama painted by Robert McCurdy. That portrait, unveiled in 2022, depicted Obama in a black suit and grey tie against a stark white background, designed, according to the White House, to “allow the viewer to establish a relationship with the subject.”

This recent change was shared on social media by Dan Scavino, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, who posted side-by-side photos showing the Trump painting replacing Obama’s.

The Story Behind Trump’s Portrait

The artwork is based on the harrowing event that occurred in July 2024 when Trump was targeted in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. He survived the attack, which left him with visible injuries. The image captures the exact moment he raised his fist in defiance, symbolizing strength and endurance. The powerful American flag behind him reinforces themes of nationalism and leadership under pressure.

For more information on the assassination attempt and how it unfolded, you can visit this detailed report by BBC News.

Why the Change Matters

This alteration in White House artwork marks not just a physical replacement, but a symbolic shift in narrative and legacy. Trump’s survival and the visual celebration of that moment now take precedence over the neutral, reflective style of Obama’s portrait.

The move may spark further public discussion around presidential image, legacy, and the role of art in shaping historical memory.

Read more about how presidential portraits shape national memory on our blog.

Conclusion

The replacement of Barack Obama’s portrait with a powerful image of Donald Trump following his near-death experience is more than an art change—it’s a statement of survival, leadership, and shifting political tides. Whether viewed as inspirational or controversial, the new portrait has already made headlines and will likely remain a talking point for months to come.