Trump hides Obama’s portrait from view at White House

By 
 updated on August 11, 2025

President Donald Trump has once again shuffled the White House decor, sidelining former President Barack Obama’s portrait to a spot where visitors can’t see it, as the Daily Caller reports. This isn’t just a redecoration -- it’s a bold statement in a brewing political storm. The move reeks of defiance, signaling Trump’s refusal to let Obama’s legacy loom large.

Trump relocated Obama’s portrait to the top of the White House’s Grand Staircase, a place that is off-limits to most guests. This decision, reported by CNN, places Obama’s image alongside portraits of former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. It’s a calculated jab, tucking Obama away while keeping the spotlight elsewhere.

This marks the second time Trump has shifted Obama’s portrait, a pattern that’s hard to ignore. Back in April, he swapped it out for a photo capturing the aftermath of the July 2024 assassination attempt he survived in Butler, Pennsylvania. That choice spoke volumes -- Trump’s survival over Obama’s symbolism.

Portrait move sparks controversy

The Grand Staircase, where Obama’s portrait now hangs, is a private perch, far from the public’s gaze. CNN snagged a photo of the new setup, confirming the portrait’s exile. It’s a move that screams, “Out of sight, out of mind,” and conservatives are eating it up.

But this isn’t just about art placement-- it’s tied to larger accusations. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has dropped bombshells, claiming Obama’s team orchestrated a “years-long coup” against Trump. Her July 18 memo alleges they “manufactured and politicized intelligence” to undermine Trump’s 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton.

Gabbard’s claims aren’t whispers -- they’re a full-throated roar. She’s pointed fingers at Obama’s national security team, accusing them of cooking up false narratives about Russia’s role in the 2016 election. The phrase “years-long coup” cuts deep, painting Obama as the mastermind of a shadowy plot.

Gabbard’s allegations gain traction

On July 23, Gabbard escalated things further, referring Obama to the Justice Department for possible charges tied to the so-called “Russiagate” hoax. This isn’t just talk -- it’s a direct challenge to Obama’s legacy. The MAGA crowd sees this as long-overdue accountability for a progressive darling.

Gabbard’s evidence leans on a portion of a May 2023 report by then-special counsel John Durham. His findings tore apart the FBI’s handling of the 2016 Trump-Russia probe, stating they “did not and could not corroborate” the infamous Steele Dossier. That dossier, used to justify spying on Trump associates, was a house of cards.

FBI analyst Brian Auten’s testimony from October 2022 only tightens the screws. He revealed the FBI offered Christopher Steele $1 million to back up his dossier’s claims, but Steele came up empty. It’s a stunning admission -- progressive narratives crumbling under scrutiny.

Obama’s team faces scrutiny

The plot thickens with CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s move in July. He referred former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey to the FBI for a criminal probe over alleged false statements to Congress. This isn’t just a portrait move -- it’s a war on Obama’s inner circle.

Brennan, ever defiant, claimed his CIA “stayed true” and didn’t meddle in the 2016 election. But that defense feels hollow when stacked against Durham’s report and Gabbard’s accusations. The MAGA base isn’t buying it, and they’re cheering Trump’s symbolic snub.

Trump’s decision to move Obama’s portrait isn’t random -- it’s a middle finger to a progressive icon. By relegating the art to a hidden corner, he’s signaling that Obama’s influence is fading. Conservatives see this as a reclaiming of narrative control.

Symbolic move, real implications

The portrait’s new spot next to the Bushes might seem neutral, but it’s anything but. It’s a deliberate choice to bury Obama’s legacy in a place where tourists won’t gawk. For Trump supporters, it’s a deliciously petty win.

Gabbard’s “manufacturing” jab at Obama’s role in the Russia narrative fuels the fire. Her accusations suggest a coordinated effort to paint Trump as a Kremlin pawn, a lie that’s unraveled spectacularly. The portrait move feels like Trump’s way of saying, “Your game’s up.”

This saga isn’t just about a painting -- it’s about power, legacy, and truth. Trump’s bold move, paired with Gabbard’s allegations, paints a picture of a conservative resurgence unafraid to confront progressive sacred cows. The White House walls are speaking, and they’re shouting MAGA.

About Alex Tanzer

STAY UPDATED

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive exclusive content directly in your inbox