The official photo of Trump as president sparks controversy

• Why Does Trump’s Portrait Cause Controversy?
• Comparing the Official Image with His Mug Shot.
• What Do Presidential Portraits Symbolize?

The transition team of President-elect Donald Trump unveiled his official presidential portrait on Thursday.

The portraits were shared through press releases and also posted on social media by Daniel Torok, Trump’s official photographer.

The president-elect is pictured wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and blue tie, with a United States flag pin on his lapel.

The image, which has sparked intense debate, shows Trump with a stern expression, very similar to the controversial mug shot taken in 2023 at the Fulton County Jail, Georgia.

Official Photo of Trump as President Displayed

Official Inauguration Portrait of President Trump pic.twitter.com/dPZ3xRFJjh

— El Derechista (@elderechistaok) January 16, 2025

In the portrait, Trump appears slightly leaning forward, with a fixed gaze and furrowed brow, a pose that many have linked to his booking moment for electoral interference in Georgia.

This was one of the four criminal cases the now president-elect was facing, although all have been paused or dismissed following his imminent inauguration on January 20.

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The only case in which Trump was convicted occurred in New York, related to irregular payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels.

However, the judge did not impose any jail or financial penalties.

The transition team avoided commenting on the similarity between the new portrait and the controversial mug shot, merely describing the release of the images as «striking.»

This portrait contrasts sharply with the one Trump used during his first term (2016-2021), where he was seen smiling warmly in front of an American flag.

On this occasion, he wears a blue suit, white shirt, blue tie, and a flag pin on the lapel. Reinforcing his identity as the nation’s leader, according to Efe.

The official portrait of the next vice president, JD Vance, was also published, who, with a more neutral expression, smiles with closed lips.

JD Vance Also Appears with Trump

This is the official portrait of President-elect #DonaldTrump and his vice president, #JD Vance. Announced this morning by his transition group. The statement included “?” emojis. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/gcNxgGbR2V

—Stephanie Ochoa (@StefyOchoa) January 16, 2025

JD Vance, senator from Ohio and next vice president, appears in his official portrait with crossed arms and a smile, also wearing a blue suit and blue tie.

Both portraits will be displayed in U.S. embassies around the world and in government offices, being the first thing citizens will see when entering these spaces.

The inauguration ceremony will include Trump’s oath on the Capitol steps, followed by the traditional inaugural parade on Pennsylvania Avenue, and a series of balls and official events in Washington D.C.

The Republican will return to the White House amidst a tense political context and ongoing investigations into his past administration.

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