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Report States Portraits Moved Inside White House
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Report States Portraits Moved Inside White House

President Trump has reportedly ordered the official White House portraits of Barack Obama, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush moved from their previous prominent spots to the top of the Grand Staircase—a location closed to the public and off-limits to the thousands of tourists who pass through each week. Predictably, media outlets like CNN rushed to frame the change as “hiding” the paintings in a petty act of political spite.

But the relocation carries a context far deeper than a decorating whim. The decision follows Trump’s repeated accusations that Obama committed “treason” by orchestrating what he calls the “Russia collusion hoax” to undermine his presidency. The move also reflects Trump’s long-running antagonism toward the Bush family’s political dynasty.


Sources told CNN that Obama’s portrait now hangs “at the top of the stairwell in a corner,” positioned firmly out of view for casual visitors. While the press has spun this as a humiliating banishment, the Grand Staircase is actually the ceremonial path between the State Floor and the private quarters—reserved for dignitaries and state events. Far from being tucked away in a dusty basement, it’s a space the average tourist never sees, but world leaders do.

This isn’t the first time Trump has rearranged the symbolic art in the White House. Back in April, Obama’s portrait was moved to make room for what might be one of the most striking images in recent political memory: the photograph of Trump moments after being shot in Butler, Pennsylvania, defiant and shouting “Fight, fight, fight!” as Secret Service agents surrounded him.


For Trump’s supporters, the symbolism is clear—his own image front and center, projecting strength, while those he accuses of betraying the country are pushed to the periphery. For his critics, it’s proof of his penchant for showmanship and score-settling.

Trump has doubled down on his accusations against Obama in recent weeks, citing declassified materials released by DNI Tulsi Gabbard that he says prove the former president’s involvement in the 2016 election interference narrative. “Look, he’s guilty. It’s not a question,” Trump told reporters. “This was treason.”


Given the severity of those charges, Trump might argue that leaving Obama’s portrait anywhere in the White House is already a generous concession. In his view, moving it upstairs isn’t an insult—it’s restraint.

Written by Arthur Higgens - August 11, 2025