When presidents change, so do their official portraits — and Donald Trump’s latest one is no exception.
Released just recently, this new image shows a more serious and somewhat softer version of the former president compared to his previous portrait.
But there’s also talk about some heavy photo editing that caught experts’ eyes right away.
From Mugshot Vibes to a Different Tone
Trump’s old official portrait made headlines for looking eerily similar to his infamous Fulton County mugshot — the one taken when he was charged with racketeering conspiracy linked to election interference.
That photo, with Trump squinting and staring down the camera, was stark and intense, capturing a defiant side of him during a turbulent time.
The new portrait, shared in a short video clip posted on X, shows Trump wearing a light blue suit with an American flag pin, looking straight ahead but with a less harsh expression.
Gone is the eyebrow raise and glower; instead, there’s a more measured stare, which feels like a slight step back from the fiery energy of the old image.
Digital Touch-Ups Raise Eyebrows
Right after the new portrait appeared, photo experts quickly noticed signs of heavy Photoshop work.
Certain changes appear to soften or hide details like loose skin under the chin — something that wasn’t as carefully edited in the previous portrait.
Interestingly, while the new image reveals bags under Trump’s eyes, they were totally absent in the older, more dramatically lit photo.
This attention to Trump’s appearance comes as no surprise.
At 78 years old, he has often been outspoken about age and fitness, famously calling President Joe Biden a “decrepit corpse.”
His official portraits reflect an ongoing effort to manage his image carefully.
A History of Symbolic Portraits in the White House
Trump’s mugshot has had a strange life of its own.
After his first criminal charge, his aides hung a newspaper photo of that very mugshot in the Oval Office — one of many bold personal touches he added to the space.
His portraits have always carried more than just his image; they’re statements of his defiance and resilience.
For now, the new official portrait will gradually replace the old one, appearing in government buildings across the country.
Whether this toned-down image signals a shift in Trump’s public persona or simply a desire for a fresh start remains to be seen.
Questions Remain About the New Image
DailyMail.com has reached out to the White House seeking more details about the new portrait, including who took it and what inspired the changes.
The earlier one was photographed by Daniel Torok, the White House’s chief official photographer.
As the new portrait starts making the rounds, it offers a glimpse of a different side of Donald Trump — one that’s still serious but perhaps less aggressive than before.