Washington DC: A new portrait of President Donald Trump has replaced the painting of former President Barack Obama in the hallway of the White House. The new artwork, now displayed in the Grand Foyer of the East Wing, shows Trump raising his fist with blood on his face, moments after a bullet grazed his ear during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July. The American flag serves as the backdrop in the dramatic scene.

The painting appears to be based on an iconic image taken by New York Times photographer Doug Mills during the incident.

Clarification from White House officials

Special Assistant to the President and White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields addressed the placement of the paintings in a post on X , stating: “Obama remains in the Entrance Hall of the White House State Floor.”

The Obama portrait, previously in the East Wing, now overlooks former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Steinway grand piano in its new location, according to the New York Post.

Artist and background of the painting

The artwork was created by artist Marc Lipp and gifted to the White House by Andrew Pollack, an author and school safety advocate. Pollack’s daughter, Meadow, was among the 17 students killed in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

The painting shows Trump with blood on his face, raising his fist as Secret Service agents try to shield him and lead him off stage during the rally incident.

Changes in the White House aesthetic

Trump has made various changes to the decor in the West Wing since assuming office in January. According to the New York Post, the President has added gold embellishments to the furniture, fireplace, and walls of the Oval Office, similar to the style at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

Front pages from The Post, highlighting Trump’s political resurgence, are also displayed throughout the West Wing.

Public reaction

Some social media users have criticised the decision to hang the Trump painting, calling it “dictator energy” and questioning the message it sends. Traditionally, portraits of presidents and first ladies are hung in the White House after their terms in office.

(Agency inputs)