It’s no exaggeration to call Donald Trump the most egotistical yet insecure president in American history, and he proved that yet again this week with a move he had White House staffers make: A painting switcheroo that immediately drew attention, which was no doubt the whole point.
According to CNN, former President Barack Obama’s official portrait was moved to make way for one of Trump post-assassination attempt. An attempt, it should be noted, that more than a few voters believe was a staged event.
“The White House’s official social media account posted an image of the Trump painting – the authenticity of which two officials confirmed separately to CNN. The Obama portrait was moved across the Grand Foyer in place of a President George W. Bush portrait. The 43rd president was moved to join his father by a nearby staircase.”
“The dramatic image of Trump raising his right fist, with blood splattered across his face, became an emblem of strength in his presidential campaign. As of Friday morning, it hangs in one of the most prominent places in the East Wing of the White House.”
“White House tradition calls for portraits of the most recent American presidents to be given the most prominent placement, in the entrance of the executive mansion, visible to guests during official events. An official Trump portrait has not yet been revealed, but an official said the president wanted this moment from Butler, Pennsylvania, to serve in the role of prominence.”
The White House proudly announced the portrait change on social media:
Why not just issue a press release telling the entire world that you remain jealous of the man who preceded you in office? Wouldn’t that be just as absurd and self-congratulatory? Hell, maybe Republicans in Congress can even give us a proclamation declaring it Trump Portrait Day and push for it to become a national holiday. In the process, perhaps they can also line up to kiss his hand or whatever body part they feel is most blatantly obsequious.
Reaction to the portrait switch was immediate and harsh.
