Sarah Boardman, the British artist behind the official portrait of Donald Trump in the Colorado State Capitol, has claimed that the president’s recent criticism of her work has placed her long-standing career in jeopardy.
The portrait, which had hung in the Capitol’s Gallery of Presidents for six years, was publicly disparaged by Trump in January when he described it as “truly the worst” and accused Boardman of having “lost her talent” as she aged.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the portrait had been “purposefully distorted,” a remark that Boardman said was damaging to both her professional reputation and her business.
In a statement, Boardman described the effects of Trump’s comments as “directly and negatively impacting” her business of over 41 years, adding that it is now at risk of not recovering.
She emphasised that she had painted the portrait accurately and without political bias, fulfilling her commission from the Colorado State Capitol Advisory Committee as per the terms of her contract.
“I completed the portrait accurately, without ‘purposeful distortion,’ political bias, or any attempt to caricature the subject,” she explained, noting that for six years, the artwork received positive reviews and feedback. However, since the president’s comments, she said the public reaction has turned sharply negative.
Trump, who has long been known for his attention to personal image, had earlier praised Boardman’s portrait of former President Barack Obama, calling it “wonderful”.
But he made no such praise for his own likeness, stating that he would “much prefer not having a picture” than the one painted by Boardman. Following the comments, the portrait was removed from public display.
Despite this setback, Boardman stood by her work and the integrity of her artistic process. “President Trump is entitled to comment freely, as we all are,” she said, “but the additional allegations have harmed my reputation.”
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