‘Petty’ Trump hides Obama portrait away from visitor eyes in White House

Portraits of former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush have been moved to a stairwell away from visitor eyes

The portrait of Obama by artist Robert McCurdy has been moved to a stairwell(Image: Getty Images)

President Donald Trump has reportedly moved a portrait of former president Barack Obama to a hidden hallway in the White House.

The Republican leader has been redecorating the White House, including a revamp of the Rose Garden and multiple gold accents around the Oval Office. A painting of Obama by artist Robert McCurdy is now hanging at the top of a stairwell in a corner near the private residence, away from visitors’ eyes, CNN reported.

The area is only accessible by the First family, Secret Service agents and a small number of White House staff. Portraits of other pasts presidents including George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush have also been moved.

Trump reportedly directed his staff to move Obama’s portrait to the top of the Grand Staircase. The Bushes’ portraits are also in the area.

The portrait of Obama was first moved to a different area in the Grand Foyer to be replaced by a painting of Trump during the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. This is the second time Obama’s portrait has been moved under Trump.

White House protocol calls for the portraits for most recent presidents to have prominent location in the executive entrance of the building, CNN reports. That way they can be visible to people touring the White House and guests at events.

White House protocol generally calls for portraits of recent presidents to stay in the executive entrance of the building(Image: Getty Images)

Social media users were not amused by the portrait change.

“Small men hide from history’s giants,” California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office wrote on X.

“So utterly petty,” another user X wrote.

McCurdy’s portraits are known for their hyperrealistic approach. He’s done portraits of the Dalai Lama, Toni Morrison, Neil Armstrong and more.

Former President Joe Biden’s portrait has not been completed yet.

Some people have shared their dismay over the portrait move. The press office for Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X, “Small men hide from history’s giants.”

One user wrote, “So when Trump leaves it’s fair game to take his down?”

Another said, “It’s a lot of work converting a government residence into a personal palace.”