In a move that’s got social media buzzing, President-elect Donald Trump unveiled his official inaugural portrait — and let’s just say, it’s raising a lot of eyebrows. The resemblance to his infamous 2023 mugshot is uncanny.
Trump shared the portraits of himself and Vice President-elect JD Vance on his website, with the headline: “Official Portraits Released — And They Go Hard????” Supporters on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to jump in, praising the bold image. But for many, it was hard to ignore just how much it looked like the mugshot taken in August 2023.
One commenter noted, “Trump intentionally mimicking his mugshot in the inaugural portrait? Now that’s a statement,” while another couldn’t resist adding, “This looks like a Bond villain pic. #TrumpIsAConvictedFelon.”
Others felt the portrait had a darker, more ominous vibe. “It’s so dramatic. Looks like a warning sign for what’s ahead,” one person posted. “Shouldn’t the President-elect be smiling about the four years of success he’s about to start?”
For context, Trump’s mugshot was snapped after he surrendered to authorities in Atlanta over charges related to attempting to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results. His 2016 inaugural portrait had a stern, narrowed-eye look, but his second portrait? It’s almost a mirror image of that mugshot — same scowl, same tilted head, but with a much more intense lighting effect.
Supporters are loving the “badass” vibe of the image, claiming that Trump’s serious expression is a way to show what he’s been through, thanks to what they call the “Deep State.” Meanwhile, others are having a field day, roasting the image with jokes about its villainous energy.
Whether you love it or not, Trump’s new portrait is certainly turning heads. What do you think — is it a bold statement, or just a little too on the nose?
