President Donald Trump has relocated the official portraits of former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and his father, George H.W. Bush to a concealed stairwell within the White House.
Trump instructed his staff to position Obama’s portrait at the top of the Grand Staircase, as reported by CNN, effectively placing it out of sight from the thousands of visitors who tour the White House. The portraits of both Bushes are also situated in the staircase area, according to the news outlet.
The new placement of the Obama portrait is at the landing leading to the private residence, an area that is heavily restricted to members of the first family, US Secret Service agents, and a select number of White House and executive residence staff.
This isn’t the first instance of the former president’s painting being moved. In April, the Obama portrait was shifted across the Grand Foyer of the White House and was replaced with a painting depicting Trump surviving an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Generally, it is customary for the most recent presidents' portraits to be displayed prominently in the White House, visible to guests during official events and tours.
Former President Joe Biden’s portrait is still in the process of being completed.
Sources indicate that the president is closely involved in nearly all decisions regarding the aesthetic changes in the White House.
This relocation occurs amid rising tensions between Trump and Obama in recent months. Trump has recently accused Obama and members of his administration of treason during the 2016 elections. Obama’s office has labeled these accusations as "outrageous," "bizarre," and a "weak attempt at distraction," likely in reference to the release of the Jeffrey Epstein documents, which have drawn scrutiny towards the Trump administration in recent weeks.