Donald Trump is under scrutiny for his recent actions concerning Barack Obama, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two former presidents.
The dynamic between Trump and Obama seems to have become more strained over the past several months.
In recent weeks, Trump accused Obama of ‘treason’ and claimed his team committed crimes related to the 2016 election, where Trump defeated Hillary Clinton. He also circulated an AI video depicting Obama being ‘arrested’.
Obama’s representatives have dismissed these accusations as ‘bizarre’ and ‘ridiculous’, with the likelihood of the Trump administration pursuing legal action being very slim.
Reports on August 10 revealed that Trump had recently renovated parts of the White House, a move some interpret as a snub towards Obama.
Obama’s presidential portrait, unveiled in 2022, was initially placed on the grand staircase of the White House and stayed there for several years.
After Trump returned to the White House, he relocated Obama’s portrait to a different spot in the Entrance Hall, replacing it with a portrait depicting his survival from an assassination attempt.
According to CNN, Trump’s administration has since moved it to a ‘secret staircase’ with limited access, meaning it is not visible to most daily visitors to the building.
The portraits of former Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush have also been relocated to this restricted area, CNN reports.
This area is accessible only to the first family, US Secret Service agents, and a select number of White House and executive residence staff.
Insiders have confirmed to the publication that Trump is very much involved in decisions regarding the White House’s interior.
This decision has sparked criticism on social media, with many commenting on Trump’s actions.
One user on Reddit described him as ‘hilarious and insecure’, while another commented: “Man. Trump is microscopic with all the petty s**t he pulls. He can’t help himself, he’s so insecure.”
A third person remarked: “Hiding Obama’s portrait will not prevent him from living rent free in Trump’s puny mind.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom also criticized Trump after learning about the portrait’s relocation.
His press office tweeted a report on the incident, stating: “Small men hide from history’s giants.”
UNILAD has reached out to The White House, as well as Obama’s and Bush’s offices, for their responses.