Donald Trump - Portraits of Power
Consider him first as a performance artist whose medium is attention. In this frame, “policy” is often the prop and “persona” the piece. He treats audience response — cheers, boos, ratings, polls, clicks — as the live feedback loop that shapes the next act. The aim isn’t to resolve tension but to sustain it long enough to guarantee the next entrance.
“Famous for being famous” sounds like circular logic, but in performance terms it’s closer to a self-licking ice cream cone: fame becomes both content and credential. The more ubiquitous the cameo, the sturdier the frame of recognizability that makes the next cameo land. Celebrity functions like a costume you never take off; identity is not a backstory but a look you can reproduce on demand. This is why consistency of surface matters so much in this oeuvre.
Hence the meticulous attention to appearance: the comb-over engineered like stagecraft, the bronzer operating as an on-body spotlight, amplifying the face into a logo. Think of it as branding turned to makeup design—Pantone as ideology. The look does three jobs at once: it is recognizable at a distance; it signals continuity from set to stage; and it dares the audience to debate authenticity, which only deepens engagement. Whether you call it artifice or armor, it’s a calculated choice about what part of the self should be most legible in a crowd.
Shealah Craighead served as the chief official White House photographer for Donald Trump during his first presidency (2017–2021). She took his official 2017 presidential portrait, which depicted him smiling broadly in the Oval Office with an American flag in the background. Craighead was the second woman in history to hold the position of chief White House photographer. She was hired just before the inauguration when the initial photographer didn't work out.
Craighead noted that Trump is "very hands-on" with his portraits and public image, preferring posed over candid photographs and often wanting to see images in real-time to provide input. She also mentioned having to gain his trust initially, as he was protective of his image. After Trump's first term, he published a book, Our Journey Together, using many of Craighead's photos but did not credit her or the other photographers' work, leading to some controversy in the photography community. Craighead subsequently put on hold her own plans to publish a book of her work from that time.
For his second presidency (beginning in January 2025), Trump's chief White House photographer is Daniel Torok, who took Trump's more recent, stern-looking official portraits. The portraits released in January and June 2025, which show a serious, unsmiling Trump, were taken by Torok. The initial January portrait was widely noted for its dramatic lighting and for reportedly taking inspiration from Trump's 2023 mug shot.
Similar to the previous reporting on Trump's involvement in his portraits, Torok has mentioned that a series of images were taken and the final selection was ultimately made by the president. Torok is an American photographer and filmmaker who previously served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Notably, Torok admitted in an interview that taking the official presidential portrait was his first time using studio lighting, which sparked significant discussion and critique within the professional photography community.
It was an image taken in December 2016 showing a serious-faced Trump with a U.S. flag and the White House portico in the background (possibly a green screen). The "serious and stern" expression is a result of a combination of specific muscle movements. When combined, the tense-eyed scrutiny, furrowed brow, and downward-pressed mouth create an expression that is unambiguously confrontational, challenging, and resolute.
The gaze is direct and unblinking. The lower eyelids are tensed, creating a slight squint, while the upper lids are held in a neutral-to-high position. This combination (tense lower lids, direct stare) is often associated with scrutiny, intensity, and focus. It's a "piercing" gaze rather than a soft or receptive one. The brows are pulled slightly down and together (activation of the corrugator supercilii muscles, which creates the "furrow" between the brows). This action is a classic component of expressions related to anger, determination, or deep concentration.
The lips are pressed together firmly in a horizontal line, with the corners of the mouth pulled slightly downward (activation of the depressor anguli oris muscles). This is often called a "compression" and signals resolve, displeasure, or a refusal to yield. It is the direct opposite of a smile, which is intended to signal accessibility and warmth.
The way the photo was taken is as important as the expression itself. The portrait uses strong, direct lighting that appears to come from slightly below the subject's eye line ("up-lighting"). This is a highly unconventional choice for an official portrait. Standard portraiture typically uses lighting from above and the side (like "loop" or "Rembrandt" lighting) to create soft, flattering shadows and a sense of three-dimensional depth. Effect of Up-lighting technique is famously used in cinema to make characters appear intimidating, sinister, or overwhelmingly powerful, as it casts unnatural shadows on the face.
The subject is leaning slightly forward toward the camera. This pose, combined with the direct gaze, can be interpreted as closing the distance with the viewer, adding to the confrontational and assertive feel. The background (the White House portico) is a separate image, giving the portrait a "green-screened" or composite look. This makes the subject "pop" from the background but also gives it a slightly artificial or hyper-real quality, distinct from a photo taken in a natural, physical space.
This portrait was a significant departure from the norms of modern presidential portraits, which is a key part of its analysis. Most 20th and 21st-century presidential portraits (like those of Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton) feature a smile or a soft, pensive expression. The goal is typically to project warmth, accessibility, and optimism. This portrait does the opposite. It projects power, seriousness, and defiance. The expression aligns perfectly with the political brand and persona he cultivated during his 2016 campaign—that of an "outsider," a "fighter," and a "disruptor" who was there to challenge the status quo, not to offer conventional political pleasantries.
It is significant that this portrait was eventually replaced in October 2017 by a more traditional one (taken by Shealah Craighead) in which he is smiling. This suggests the initial, more "combative" image was seen as a temporary or controversial choice, and the administration later pivoted to a more conventional and "presidential" image. In summary, every element of this specific portrait — the intense muscular contraction, the "up-lighting," the forward-leaning pose, and its break from tradition — works together to create a singular, deliberate message of unsmiling, confrontational resolve.
January 19, 2017 (Inaugural Placeholder): A initial official portrait was released the day before his first inauguration and used as a temporary placeholder in federal buildings. No person has been credited with taking the photograph, which was added to the White House website upon Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2017.
This facial expression communicates warmth, confidence, and approachability. The subject’s eyes are open and slightly squinting, creating soft crow’s feet at the corners — a key marker of a genuine smile. The mouth is wide, showing teeth, and the corners lift upward, reinforcing the impression of friendliness and openness. The overall effect is one of deliberate positivity and controlled charm, typical of a formal portrait intended for public or official use.
The relaxed brow and the upright posture add to the impression of composure and self-assurance. There’s no visible tension in the jaw or forehead; instead, the facial muscles convey ease and comfort in front of the camera. The even lighting and balanced framing amplify this, giving the face a polished, approachable tone suited to professional contexts. The expression signals stability and self-confidence — the kind of demeanor designed to reassure and inspire trust rather than to challenge or confront.
In contrast to the stern or defiant expressions seen in later more confrontational images, this one is emblematic of public presentation and institutional authority softened by friendliness. It’s the face of leadership rendered through the visual language of optimism: shoulders squared, smile steady, gaze direct. The expression seems crafted not to display personal emotion but to communicate a symbolic persona — someone confident, in control, and meant to be seen as likable and trustworthy.
This official portrait of Donald Trump adhered closely to the traditional conventions of presidential portraiture, maintaining the formal compositional elements seen in the portraits of his predecessors. In both setting and presentation, it resembled the official portraits of George W. Bush and Barack Obama, as well as the later portrait of Joe Biden. The image portrayed Trump in a standard, smiling pose—a notable departure from the more combative or severe public image he often projected during his presidency and public life. This choice of expression contributed to a sense of conventionality and restraint that contrasted with Trump’s usual media persona. Despite the formal success of the work within the genre, photographer Shealah Craighead, who captured the portrait, later remarked that Trump appeared to have never particularly liked it, suggesting a personal disconnect between the former president and the official image meant to represent his tenure.
Colorado State Capitol (Painted Portrait): An oil painting by artist Sarah Boardman, commissioned by the Colorado state legislature, was hung in their statehouse in August 2019. The painting was part of a longstanding series of presidential portraits in the building's third-floor rotunda. The portrait was displayed alongside portraits of other US presidents. Boardman has also painted portraits of former Presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush.
For context, the portrait depicts Trump in a realistic style: a bust view in a dark suit, white shirt, red tie, and American flag lapel pin, with a serious expression against a blue-to-gold gradient background. It doesn't appear objectively "distorted" but has a softened, classical look consistent with the series' other paintings.
The portrait was commissioned and funded privately by Republican supporters during Trump's first term, with no involvement from Polis or Democrats. Boardman, a Colorado Springs-based artist, defended her work, stating she aimed for a neutral, thoughtful depiction based on an approved photo, and denied any intent to distort or mock Trump. She expressed concern that his comments damaged her professional reputation after decades in the field. Following the post, the portrait was removed from display on March 24, 2025, at the request of state Republican leaders.
The facial expression in the portrait conveys a sense of seriousness and determination. Key elements include: Eyes are a direct gaze forward with a slight squint or intensity, suggesting focus, confidence, or scrutiny. The eyelids are somewhat lowered, which can imply thoughtfulness or skepticism. Closed lips in a neutral to slight downward curve, without a smile, indicating restraint, solemnity, or displeasure—often interpreted as stern or resolute rather than joyful. Eyebrows are mildly furrowed or straight, adding to an air of concentration or mild disapproval. Overall, the expression is composed and presidential, evoking authority and gravitas, but it could be perceived as aloof, unhappy, or even unflattering depending on the viewer (e.g., emphasizing age lines or a somber mood). This aligns with classical portrait styles for leaders, prioritizing dignity over warmth.
Trump's critique of Sarah Boardman’s portrait wasn't entirely off-base, especially when looking at some specific elements compared to some reference photos and his official presidential portraits. In Boardman's portrait, Trump's head does appear somewhat undersized relative to his shoulders and torso. The composition makes the shoulders dominate the frame, creating an imbalanced look where the head feels compressed or minimized. This could be a stylistic choice for a more "thoughtful" pose, as Boardman intended, but it deviates from Trump's real-life build, where his head is more proportionally prominent. By contrast, in his official 2017 presidential portrait (from his first term), the head takes up a balanced portion of the frame—about half the horizontal space—with a straight-on angle that emphasizes his face without dwarfing it against the body.
The 2025 portrait (second term) crops even tighter, with the head filling three-quarters of the image, making it the focal point and avoiding any sense of diminishment. Standard photos of Trump (e.g., from public events) show a similar balance — his head isn't oversized, but it's never as subordinate to the shoulders as in Boardman's work.
Boardman's rendering gives Trump's shoulders a noticeably sloped, almost drooping appearance, which comes off as weak or passive — far more exaggerated than in photographs. This sloping effect makes his posture look less commanding, perhaps contributing to that "non-confrontational" vibe she aimed for, but it borders on caricature. In real photos and his official portraits, Trump's shoulders are broader and more level, projecting strength and presence. The 2017 photo shows them relaxed but square, while the 2025 one keeps them subtle yet firm, without any dramatic slope. This difference highlights how Boardman's version amplifies a softer, less imposing silhouette that's not typical of Trump's public image.
The cheeks in the portrait are portrayed as fuller and more rounded, verging on jowly, which can read as derogatory—almost aging or softening him in a way that feels unflattering. It's a realistic take on facial contours, but the lighting and brushwork emphasize sagging, making it stand out negatively. Trump's actual photos vary with age and angle, but his official portraits handle this more favorably: the 2017 one shows smoother, less pronounced cheeks under soft lighting, while the 2025 version reveals some natural bags under the eyes but doesn't exaggerate them into jowls. It's a subtle but key difference—Boardman's approach leans into realism that borders on critique.
Boardman depicts the hair as flatter and more subdued than Trump's signature voluminous style—it's almost helmet-like, lacking lift and texture, which makes it look smaller and less dynamic. In photographs and official portraits, Trump's hair is iconic: swept back with height and a golden hue. The 2017 portrait captures it in a polished, full form, and the 2025 one keeps it sharp and focused, maintaining that larger-than-life flair. This flattening in Boardman's work tones down one of his most recognizable traits, contributing to the overall muted feel.
Overall, while Boardman defended the portrait as neutral and accurate, these elements do make it less flattering compared to how Trump typically appears in photos or his approved portraits. It's not a total distortion, but it softens and diminishes features in ways that could feel intentional or at least ungenerous.
This portrait drew negative comments from Trump, and was subsequently taken down. On 23 March 2025, then-President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social criticizing the portrait of himself that had been displayed in the Colorado State Capitol since 2019. Trump demanded the removal of a portrait of himself displayed in the Colorado State Capitol, calling it a “purposefully distorted” representation of his image. “The artist also did President Obama, and he looks wonderful, but the one on me is truly the worst,” he added. Trump described it as unflattering compared to Boardman's earlier portrait of Barack Obama, and suggested she "must have lost her talent as she got older." Trump noted that Obama’s portrait “looks wonderful.” He also mentioned speaking on behalf of "many people from Colorado" who had reportedly complained, and called on Democratic Governor Jared Polis to remove it immediately, tying the criticism to unrelated political jabs about crime in the state.
By June 2025, it was replaced with a new portrait donated by the White House and painted by Arizona artist Vanessa Horabuena, based on Trump's 2025 inaugural photo. Trump approved the replacement, praising Horabuena as "highly talented," and it features a golden border for added visual effect. The original Boardman painting is now in private storage, and the incident sparked discussions about updating the Capitol's portrait collection for Colorado's 150th statehood anniversary in 2026. The replacement by Vanessa Horabuena addressed many of these issues, opting for a more heroic, proportional depiction based on Trump's 2025 inaugural photo.
Former US President Donald Trump on 25 August 2023 surrendered in Georgia on charges of attempting to overturn the state’s 2020 election results. His arrest marked a historic moment, producing the first-ever mugshot of a former American president. Mr. Trump was released from the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta after posting a $200,000 bail bond while awaiting trial. Following his release, Mr. Trump denounced the case as “a travesty of justice.” This marks his fourth arrest in five months in connection with criminal investigations, but the first instance in which he was photographed for a police booking. Shortly afterward, he returned to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter) for the first time since January 2021. His post included his mugshot, the address of his campaign website, and a defiant caption written in all capital letters: “ELECTION INTERFERENCE. NEVER SURRENDER!”
By joining the ranks of American public figures with booking photos—among them Frank Sinatra, Al Capone, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—Mr. Trump’s image has already become a potent campaign symbol. Analysts note that his mugshot, featuring a stern smirk, is likely to be used strategically in his 2024 presidential campaign. Trump maintained that all the criminal cases against him are politically motivated, arguing that they stem from his position as the leading Republican candidate seeking to challenge President Joe Biden in next year’s election. On Thursday, he traveled from New Jersey to Georgia aboard his private jet, escorted by a notably larger motorcade than during his previous court appearances.
The face in this portrait reads as tightly controlled and confrontational. The eyes are narrowed with the upper lids lowered and the brows drawn sharply together, producing a fixed, intense stare that engages the viewer directly. Those features alone create the primary message: scrutiny, challenge, and a readiness to confront whatever is before the subject.
The lower face matches the eyes’ hardness. The lips are pressed into a thin, straight line and the corners of the mouth are pulled neither upward nor downward, which signals restraint rather than sorrow or mirth. The jaw appears clamped, adding firmness and an undercurrent of suppressed tension — the kind of expression you get when someone is deliberately holding back a stronger emotion.
Taken together, the eyes and mouth form an expression I’d describe as controlled anger or resolute defiance: not an explosive display, but a deliberate projection of toughness. There’s a psychological edge to it — an attempt to communicate dominance, unyielding resolve, or refusal to appear vulnerable. Depending on context, that same assembly of features could also read as intense focus or hard concentration rather than personal hostility. Contextual cues in the photograph amplify the effect. The head-on framing and neutral background give the image an institutional, confrontational intimacy: you can’t avoid meeting the gaze. Formal clothing and the absence of warmth in lighting remove casualness and make the face read more publicly performative — the expression seems intended for an audience as much as it is revealing of private feeling.
Finally, it’s worth noting that facial signals are ambiguous by nature: the same tight lips and narrowed eyes can mean vigilance, indignation, determination, or even severe embarrassment depending on surrounding circumstances. What’s unmistakable here, however, is the deliberate, composed intensity — a face that says “I am firm and not to be easily moved.”
January 17, 2025 (Second Inaugural Placeholder): Ahead of his second inauguration, a new placeholder portrait was released, taken by his second chief White House photographer, Daniel Torok. This photo featured a stern, intensely gazing Trump with stark lighting, an expression that was widely compared to his 2023 mugshot.
The facial expression in the image conveys an unmistakable sense of intensity and control. The eyes are narrowed, the brows drawn slightly together, and the gaze fixed directly forward with unblinking focus. This creates an impression of alertness and scrutiny, as though the subject is evaluating something critically or preparing to assert a position. The tension around the eyes and forehead adds to the overall seriousness of the expression, suggesting concentration and a readiness to confront or challenge.
The mouth is firmly closed, the lips pressed into a straight, thin line that neither softens into a smile nor dips into a frown. This tightness around the mouth, combined with a slightly set jaw, projects self-discipline and restraint. It’s an expression that holds emotion in check — one that implies determination, control, and a refusal to show vulnerability. The facial muscles appear engaged but contained, heightening the impression of composure under pressure.
Taken as a whole, the emotional tone is one of deliberate strength and authority. There is a suggestion of anger or defiance, but it’s tempered and managed rather than outwardly expressed. The absence of warmth in the features — no softness in the eyes, no upward movement at the corners of the mouth — gives the face a commanding, almost unyielding quality. It’s the kind of expression often used to project dominance, seriousness, and readiness to act.
The overall presentation reinforces this impression. The formal clothing, upright posture, and close framing focus attention entirely on the face, eliminating distractions and amplifying the intensity of the gaze. The lighting highlights the texture of the skin and the contours of the face, enhancing the sense of realism and gravity. Together, these elements communicate a carefully controlled projection of power, vigilance, and determination — the look of someone intent on being taken seriously and not easily swayed.
June 2, 2025 (Official Second Term): The second second term image was released by the White House, also taken by Daniel Torok. It is a close-up against a dark, empty background, with a serious but slightly softened expression compared to the January 2025 photo. Notably, it omits the American flag backdrop, a break from recent presidential tradition.
The facial expression in this image projects a powerful mix of composure, confidence, and restrained intensity. The eyes are slightly narrowed, locking forward with unwavering focus. This steady gaze communicates alertness and control — a look that signals authority and perhaps a challenge to the viewer. The brows are subtly furrowed, not in anger, but in concentration, giving the impression of someone deeply engaged in thought or in the midst of making a critical judgment.
The mouth is firm and unsmiling, the lips pressed together in a straight line that exudes resolve. This detail, combined with the squared jaw and lack of visible relaxation in the lower face, strengthens the overall impression of determination and seriousness. There’s no sign of softness or hesitation — instead, the expression appears carefully measured, as if meant to convey both self-assurance and readiness for confrontation if necessary.
The lighting and composition heighten this sense of gravitas. The soft, directional light brings out the texture of the skin and the lines around the eyes, emphasizing age, experience, and intensity of character. The dark background isolates the face, drawing full attention to the expression, while the formal attire — the navy suit, white shirt, and red tie — adds a symbolic dimension of professionalism, patriotism, and authority.
Taken together, the expression communicates strength under pressure and a deliberate projection of command. It’s not emotional or expressive in the warm sense, but rather deliberate and assertive — the face of someone who intends to be perceived as unyielding, formidable, and in control.
In the first 2025 image, the expression was more tense and confrontational. The eyes are slightly more narrowed, and the brows drawn closer together, creating a sharper and almost defiant gaze. The mouth is tightly closed, with visible compression in the lips that conveys restraint — as if the subject is suppressing strong emotion or ready to challenge opposition. Overall, it feels more aggressive and charged, bordering on anger or irritation.
In contrast, the second 2025 image softens that edge into a more controlled and deliberate seriousness. The eyes remain intense, but the brows are less pinched, giving the impression of calculation rather than confrontation. The mouth is still firm but not as tightly pressed, suggesting confidence and steadiness instead of tension. This produces a more composed, statesmanlike expression — one that feels self-assured rather than defensive.
The first portrait used harsher, more frontal lighting that accentuates skin texture, wrinkles, and highlights. This choice enhances the sense of realism and grit, making the subject appear weathered, forceful, and unflinching. It’s dramatic and visually confrontational — a style often used to amplify emotional intensity and immediacy. The second portrait adopts softer, more directional lighting. Shadows are deeper, and the highlights are smoother, giving the face a more sculpted and less raw appearance. This shift in lighting contributes to a calmer, more composed mood. It feels introspective and deliberate rather than aggressive, enhancing the impression of inner control and maturity.
In both images, the subject wears a blue suit, white shirt, and tie with an American flag pin — classic symbols of formality and patriotism. However, in the first, the blue tie complements the cooler lighting and emphasizes stoicism and restraint. In the second, the red tie introduces warmth and vitality, subtly infusing the image with energy and assertiveness. The second composition also places the face slightly deeper in shadow, which lends it more depth and gravity — less of a glare, more of a measured stare.
The first image feels like a moment of confrontation — someone caught in the height of resolve, projecting toughness and resistance. The second feels more like reflection — the same figure, still firm and serious, but less reactive and more self-possessed. The first image: Sharper, more aggressive, confrontational intensity, while the second image: Calmer, controlled, and strategically composed authority. Both convey power and seriousness, but the second transforms that energy from raw defiance into quiet, deliberate command.
The portrait by Vanessa Horabuena, installed in the Colorado State Capitol on 26 June 2025, is a realistic oil painting based on Donald Trump's official 2025 inaugural photo. It features a bust-view composition with Trump in a dark suit, white shirt, blue tie, and American flag lapel pin, set against a dark, subdued background that fades to black, emphasizing a dramatic and authoritative presence. The style is crisp and photographic in detail, with warm lighting highlighting Trump's face for a more vibrant, tanned skin tone compared to the softer, more muted tones of the previous Boardman portrait.
A notable addition is the ornate golden border on the frame, which adds a luxurious, elevated visual effect aligning with Trump's aesthetic preferences. Horabuena, a Christian worship artist known for patriotic and inspirational themes, intended the work to capture Trump as a "fierce leader" who "fights for the people," resulting in a sterner, more intense depiction than the neutral classical style of the series' other presidential portraits.
The facial expression conveys strong determination and resolve, with an air of intensity that could be interpreted as commanding or defiant:Eyes: Direct and piercing gaze straight at the viewer, with narrowed eyelids and a steely focus, suggesting vigilance, confidence, and unyielding scrutiny. The mouth is firmly closed in a straight, unsmiling line, implying restraint, seriousness, or subtle displeasure—contributing to a no-nonsense demeanor. The eyebrows are slightly furrowed and arched downward, enhancing an expression of concentration or mild intensity, as if deep in thought or ready for challenge. Overall, the forward-leaning posture (subtly implied in the composition) and sharpened features project authority, strength, and gravitas, evoking a "fighter" archetype rather than warmth or approachability. This contrasts with the more contemplative or somber look in Boardman's version, appearing more flattering and heroic to supporters while potentially stern or intimidating to critics.
Vanessa Horabuena is a self-described Christian Worship Artist who publicly expresses conservative political views and sentiments that align with themes often found in Christian nationalism, such as the belief that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation and that a return to faith is necessary to "save our country". Vanessa Horabuena is a Christian artist who expresses her faith through her art and has publicly stated her support for President Donald Trump, framing her views within a "Christian nationalist" perspective that connects faith with political patriotism and a desire to fight for specific values.
She believes Trump is a leader divinely chosen to fight for a Christian and conservative nation and calls for fellow Christians to support and pray for him. Horabuena's work aligns with Christian nationalist themes by linking her Christian faith with American patriotism and politics. She repeatedly expressed support for Donald Trump, viewing him as a leader chosen by God to fight for conservative Christian values and the nation. She uses language and hashtags such as "#GodBlessAmerica," "#MakeAmericaGodlyAgain," and "#OneNationUnderGod," and states that "true freedom was bought by the cross". She has also stated, "If the lord is for us, who can be against us? Let's keep our President in our prayers, he was certainly called for such a time as this".
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