US President Donald Trump has ordered the removal of the portraits of Barack Obama and George W. Bush from their prime spots in White House. Obama’s portrait was earlier placed at the White House entryway, where visitors could easily see it.
This decision reflects the long-standing tension between the 44th and 47th presidents. Portraits of George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush, have also been removed. They will now be placed in a far less visible spot – at the top of a restricted staircase, as reported by NBC-affiliate WSAZ.
Where are the portraits now?
The portraits have been shifted to the top of the Grand Staircase, the main stairway connecting the State Floor and Second Floor of the White House. This area is off-limits to the public and accessible only to the First Family, Secret Service and certain White House staff, according to a report by CNN.
This means Obama’s portrait, along with those of the Bush father-son duo, will no longer be visible to visitors. Traditionally, the portraits of recent presidents are displayed prominently at the executive mansion’s entrance for guests and tour groups to see.
This is not the first time Obama’s portrait has been relocated. Back in April, it was moved across the grand foyer to make space for Trump’s own portrait – one showing him after surviving the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Reports suggest Trump takes a personal interest in the White House’s look, from major projects to small changes. His plans for a new ballroom – for which he has offered to pay $200 million from his own pocket and the redesign of the Rose Garden show how involved he is.
Trump vs Obama feud continues
Trump’s portrait decision follows a series of sharp attacks on Obama. Recently, from the Oval Office, Trump said, “It’s time to go after people,” repeating his claim that Barack Obama and other officials had committed treason. This came after a report from his intelligence director, Tulsi Gabbard, that questioned long-held findings about Russia’s role in the 2016 election.
Obama’s office hits back
Trump’s accusations drew a rare public response from Obama’s post-presidential team. Patrick Rodenbush, an Obama spokesman, said, “Our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response. But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one. These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.”