US President Donald Trump has received a new portrait from Russian President Vladimir Putin after criticizing an earlier painting of himself. Trump called the previous portrait, which was displayed in the Colorado State Capitol, “truly the worst” and claimed it was “purposefully distorted.” The painting, presented in 2019 after a Republican-led crowdfunding campaign, was removed on Monday following backlash.
The new portrait, described by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff as a “beautiful painting” by a “leading Russian artist,” has not been publicly revealed. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the gift, calling it a “personal gesture” from Putin. Trump was reportedly “touched” by the gift, which highlights a thaw in US-Russia relations after Trump’s return to the White House in January. Witkoff, who met Putin 10 days ago, said the Russian leader was “gracious” and had even prayed for Trump after an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally last year.
Trump, known for carefully managing his public image, has made headlines before with his official portraits. His iconic image from the assassination attempt, captured by AP photographer Evan Vucci, was later featured on a book cover.
Trump’s criticism of the Colorado portrait extended to political remarks, calling Governor Jared Polis “radical” and “weak on crime,” though the portrait had no connection to Polis. The painting was ordered removed by a bipartisan committee and is now in secure storage.
Read more: Top Business Magazine
