Overview

• Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted a portrait of Donald Trump, painted by Nikas Safronov, to the U.S. President in March 2025 as a diplomatic gesture.
• The painting depicts Trump raising his fist in defiance after surviving a July 2024 assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, symbolizing resilience and patriotism.
• The portrait now hangs in the White House Grand Foyer, replacing Barack Obama’s official portrait, marking an unusual break from historical precedent.
• The Kremlin confirmed the portrait was commissioned by the Russian government, with artist Safronov stating he believed it could help improve U.S.–Russia relations.
• The gift’s installation has prompted debate over the security of foreign gifts, the political symbolism of its display, and its implications for U.S.–Russia diplomacy.