On Monday, President Donald Trump’s new official portrait was revealed, distinguishing itself from those of his predecessors by omitting two notable elements: a cheerful expression and an American flag backdrop. The portrait replaces an earlier image taken during his inauguration, showcasing Trump against a dark background, with part of his face shrouded in shadow.
This latest image will be displayed in federal buildings and is also accessible on the White House website. A White House representative explained that the initial portrait was merely a placeholder, taken during the transition period, while the current photo is a more recent capture intended to represent Trump during his second term. They characterised this portrait as reflecting America’s optimism and strength after a challenging four years under the Biden administration.
In the photo, Trump is depicted wearing a red tie and a serious expression. Although he sports an American flag pin on his lapel, there is no flag in sight, contrasting sharply with the tradition upheld by previous presidents for over six decades. The last president to use a neutral backdrop was Richard Nixon in 1969; subsequent leaders such as Ford, Carter, Reagan, and others consistently included an American flag in their images, often smiling to convey approachability.
Trump’s previous official portrait from his first term aligned with tradition, featuring him smiling in front of a flag. However, his latest image, released in January, bore a scowling resemblance to his mugshot taken during legal troubles in 2023 and also featured a corner of an American flag in its background.
The newly unveiled portrait offers a stark contrast, as Trump’s face remains in sharp focus while his shirt and tie appear blurred, accentuating the shadowing on his right cheek, ear, and shoulder. While the absence of a flag in the background is striking, the flag pin on his lapel glimmers prominently, serving as a subtle nod to his patriotism amidst the dramatic presentation.