'Truly worst': Trump fumes over his not-very-flattering portrait by Colorado
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has slammed a portrait of him in the Colorado State Capitol, calling it "purposefully distorted." He has called on Governor Jared Polis to remove the artwork immediately.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump complained the painting is "the worst" he has ever seen.
The artwork was funded through efforts led by Republican state senator Kevin Grantham in 2019.
Artist's work questioned
Trump's criticism extends to the artist
"Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado, in the State Capitol, put up by the Governor, along with all other Presidents, was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before," Trump fumed.
Trump didn't just criticize the portrait but also the artist, Sarah Boardman.
"The artist also did President Obama, and he looks wonderful, but the one on me is truly the worst," he said.
Public support
Trump claims Colorado residents share his sentiment
According to Trump, many Coloradans are of the same opinion about the portrait.
"I would much prefer not having a picture than having this one, but many people from Colorado have called and written to complain." He added that they are actually angry about it.
He claimed residents of the Centennial State have called in to complain, and Polis, a Democrat, should address their concerns.
"Jared should be ashamed of himself!" he blasted.
Portrait's background
Funding and installation of Trump's portrait
Presidential portraits in the US are funded not directly through taxpayers but through private donations.
However, after Democratic House staffer Katie March once hung a picture of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the President's Gallery as a prank in 2018, action was taken against her.
Grantham then led efforts to raise funds for Trump's portrait, which was installed in August 2019.