A Sh1.3 million portrait of former U.S. President Donald Trump, unveiled in the final days of his administration, is set to be removed following harsh criticism from the president himself.
Trump called the artwork “truly the worst” during a recent interview, expressing his deep dissatisfaction with the piece.
The portrait, which had been displayed at an exclusive art gallery as part of a tribute to Trump’s presidency, has now become the subject of public scrutiny after the former president personally condemned it.
The artist, who had previously garnered praise for their work, is now under fire for what Trump considers a misrepresentation of his image.
“I’ve seen a lot of portraits, but this one is truly the worst. It doesn’t capture who I am or what I stand for,” Trump remarked during a candid conversation with a political commentator last week.
His sharp critique has prompted the gallery to announce that the portrait will be taken down, although it is not yet clear where the artwork will go next.
The portrait, which depicts Trump in a powerful pose, was commissioned as part of a collection meant to honor past U.S. presidents.
However, critics were quick to point out its peculiar style, with many noting exaggerated features that made the former president appear almost caricatured.
Social media buzzed with jokes and memes about the portrait’s unflattering resemblance to Trump, with many wondering how such a pricey piece of art could go so wrong.
Sources close to the gallery confirm that the decision to remove the portrait follows Trump’s personal request.
“We always prioritize the opinions of the subject in our exhibits, and after receiving Mr. Trump’s feedback, we have agreed to take down the piece,” said a gallery spokesperson.
The cost of the portrait has also drawn attention. Valued at Sh1.3 million (approximately $12,000), it was considered a high-end piece of art commissioned to mark the end of Trump’s four-year term.
However, with Trump now publicly distancing himself from it, questions have been raised about the worth of the artwork, with some critics claiming that the price tag far exceeded its artistic merit.
Art experts have weighed in, speculating that the painting was perhaps rushed in its final stages to meet a deadline, which could explain the poor execution.
“It’s a classic case of what happens when art is created under pressure without a true understanding of the subject,” one art critic noted.
“The result is an image that neither does justice to the person nor the artistic community.”
Despite the backlash, the portrait has found a peculiar place in the conversation about Trump’s post-presidency.
Its removal only adds to the larger narrative of his time in office and the mixed legacy he left behind.
Some see the portrait’s controversial nature as another example of his larger-than-life persona, one that constantly provoked strong reactions both positive and negative.
