The post was simply captioned, “Some new artwork at the White House.”
This change also involves the repositioning of previous presidential portraits. The portrait of former President Barack Obama, which previously held a prominent position in the Grand Foyer, has been relocated within the building. According to White House staff, Obama’s painting now hangs where President George W. Bush’s portrait once stood, while Bush’s image has been moved to a nearby staircase.
Traditionally, the Grand Foyer features portraits of recent presidents, though the specific placements are not fixed. A former White House official explained that presidents have discretion in curating the art and décor within the residence. During his first term, President Trump similarly moved several portraits, including those of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, to different areas of the building.
It’s worth noting that President Trump has not yet received an official oil portrait from his first term—a tradition typically arranged during a successor’s time in office. The White House Historical Association, which oversees the commissioning of these portraits, has not provided a public timeline for when Trump’s official portrait might be completed.
Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields posted a photo of the updated foyer on Friday, confirming the new arrangement.
As expected, the change has sparked a range of reactions. On Capitol Hill, some lawmakers expressed approval, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who shared a photo of the before-and-after display with the caption, “Much better.”
The new portrait is the latest in a series of changes to presidential artwork. Earlier this year, a portrait of former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley was removed from a Pentagon hallway, and last month, officials in Colorado confirmed they had taken down a Trump portrait from the statehouse at his request.
As the current administration continues to shape the tone and appearance of the White House, updates like these reflect broader themes of legacy, symbolism, and presidential influence—not just in policy, but in the spaces that tell America’s ongoing story.
Sources: NBC News