Trump Moves Obama Portrait to Restricted Hallway as White House Faces Backlash Over Racist Post

Former president said to be in disbelief as West Wing traditions are upended

By [Staff Writer] | September 10, 2026

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has ordered the relocation of former President Barack Obama's portrait to a restricted hallway hidden from visitors, a break from White House tradition that reportedly left Obama in disbelief, according to reports.

The move marks the latest in a series of escalating gestures toward his predecessor, which have included a racist video posted to Trump's Truth Social account and public claims about his own health relative to Obama's.

Portraits Moved from Prominent Positions

Trump ordered the portraits of Obama, George W. Bush, and George H.W. Bush to be moved to a location far less visible than their traditional placements in the White House. The portraits had previously hung in prominent areas where visiting dignitaries and guests could view them.

The relocation represents a significant departure from the longstanding tradition of displaying former presidents' portraits in the West Wing and other public areas of the White House.

Racist Video Posted and Deleted

The portrait controversy follows an incident in which Trump removed a video from his Truth Social account after widespread public outcry over its racist depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama.

The White House initially downplayed the post before deleting it and blaming a staffer for the content, according to People magazine. Critics questioned how a staffer would have had access to the president's personal account late at night, with one commenter noting the post appeared at 11:45 p.m.

'By Far the Healthiest'

Trump has also repeatedly invoked Obama in public remarks, including during a Hanukkah reception at the White House, where he claimed a former White House physician told him he was "by far" healthier than Obama.

During the reception, Trump recalled asking former White House physician Ronny Jackson to compare his health to Obama's and former President Joe Biden's. According to Trump, Jackson responded that "Trump was by far the healthiest."

The 79-year-old president added, "If he didn't say that I would never have talked to him again..."

Obama's Response

Obama has publicly commented on Trump's actions, including regarding the Department of Justice, with reports indicating he has "a lot of thoughts" on the current administration's conduct.

The former president's reaction to the portrait relocation was described as one of disbelief, according to sources.

Broader Pattern

The developments reflect a broader pattern of Trump breaking with presidential norms in his treatment of predecessors. The relocation of portraits and the social media posts represent departures from the traditionally respectful, if sometimes cool, relationships between current and former presidents.

Representatives for Obama and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.