DENVER (AP) - President Donald Trump has called for the removal of his portrait from the Colorado State Capitol, citing complaints regarding the artwork. Trump claims that the portrait was “purposefully distorted” to misrepresent him. The painting, completed during his first term and unveiled in 2019, has become a point of contention for the former president.

The portrait was commissioned through a GoFundMe initiative that raised over $10,000 from Colorado Republicans. The artist, Sarah Boardman, is also known for creating the portrait of former President Barack Obama that hangs in the Capitol. At the time of its unveiling, a supporter of Trump declared that the artwork "does him great justice."

However, the former president expressed his displeasure in a post on his Truth Social platform. Trump stated that he would rather have no image of himself than the one currently displayed in the Capitol, which he criticized as being unflattering. He remarked, "Nobody likes a bad picture or painting of themselves, but the one in Colorado, in the State Capitol, put up by the Governor, along with all other Presidents, was purposefully distorted to a level that even I, perhaps, have never seen before."

As of Monday morning, the portrait remained hanging in the Capitol. When contacted for comment, Boardman had not responded to inquiries from The Associated Press. However, she previously mentioned in an interview with The Denver Post that it was vital for her depictions of both Obama and Trump to be presented in an “apolitical” manner.

Shelby Wieman, a spokesperson for Colorado Democratic Governor Jared Polis, reacted to Trump’s comments, expressing surprise at the former president’s interest in the artwork within the Colorado State Capitol. Wieman stated, "We appreciate the President and everyone’s interest in our Capitol building and are always looking for any opportunity to improve our visitor experience."

The situation raises questions about the portrayal of contemporary political figures in state art and the reactions they elicit from both supporters and detractors. It also highlights the ongoing contentious relationship between Trump and various state officials as narratives surrounding his presidency continue to unfold.

The debate over the portrait exemplifies how artifacts in public spaces can become flashpoints for political discourse. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether Trump's demand will lead to any official action regarding the portrait in the Colorado State Capitol.