United States President-elect Donald Trump’s new official portrait, released ahead of his inauguration, has turned quite a few heads.
With a piercing glare, furrowed brow, and dramatic lighting, the photo stands apart from the traditional, polished images of past US presidents.
Taken by his chief photographer, Daniel Torok, the image showcases a president-elect who is once again rewriting the rules of political presentation.
Breaking from tradition
Unlike the warm, approachable demeanor traditionally captured in presidential portraits, Trump’s image radiates seriousness and determination. T
he photo, which features him gazing intently into the camera, is set against a stark background and illuminated by dramatic lighting from below — a technique rarely seen in political photography.
Experts in the field have weighed in on the unique choices. Paul Duerinckx, a senior photography lecturer, described the lighting to BBC as displaying “seriousness and intent,” a stark departure from the soft, natural lighting typically associated with such portraits.
Portrait photographer Eliska Sky likened the image to that of a boxer preparing for a fight, while Eric Draper, a former White House photographer, noted that the lighting setup flips convention, creating a deliberate sense of intensity.
“You definitely make photos to please the client, and in this case, I think this is the type of image they wanted to portray,” Draper told BBC.
Trump’s expression is no less notable. His furrowed brow and unwavering stare echo his infamous mug shot from 2023, taken after he was booked in Georgia on charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results.
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That image, a cultural phenomenon in its own right, inspired countless memes, merchandise, and discussions, cementing itself as one of the most iconic images of the decade.
A deliberate nod to the 2023 mug shot
The parallels between Trump’s new portrait and his 2023 mug shot are unmistakable, with many speculating that the similarities are intentional. Jared Polin, a photography YouTuber, confirmed that Torok drew inspiration from the mug shot, a photo that dominated headlines and became part of American pop culture, reported BBC.
“If Donald Trump’s old Clint Eastwood ‘High Plains Drifter’ squint got married to the Georgia mug shot photo, they would have produced this inauguration photo,” Trump biographer Timothy O’Brien was quoted by The New York Times.
The mug shot, which has been emblazoned on everything from coffee mugs to T-shirts, became a symbol of Trump’s resilience for his supporters — and a source of ridicule for his detractors.
For Trump, the choice to adopt a similar pose and expression for his official portrait seems to signal continuity in his personal brand. Shealah Craighead, who served as chief White House photographer during Trump’s first term, noted that the former president is highly involved in crafting his image.
“He’s very hands-on. He will ask to see the photos on the back of the camera or on a computer screen while it’s happening in real time so he can decide if it’s headed in the right direction. If he likes what he sees, then he will ask to see tangible paper prints rather than on a computer.” she told The New York Times.
Trump has long sought to cultivate a “Churchillian” image, as evidenced by his request during his first presidency to restore a bust of Winston Churchill to the Oval Office. This latest photo continues that theme, projecting strength and authority, qualities he believes are essential to his leadership style.
A shift from his 2017 portrait
The new portrait marks a stark departure from Trump’s 2017 official image, which depicted him smiling broadly in a businesslike pose.
According to Craighead, Trump was never fully satisfied with that photo, which was hastily arranged after months of delay. “The photo you see today is probably the one he would have loved to have back then,” she said.
Official inaugural portraits of Donald Trump. 2017 (left) and 2025 (right) pic.twitter.com/FFkin9TZ23
— TrueDispatch (@true_dispatch) January 16, 2025
This time, the portrait was carefully planned and executed. Taken a few weeks ago, it was specifically intended for Monday’s inauguration, where it will be printed in official programs and prominently displayed. Soon, another photo will be selected as his official presidential portrait, which will hang in government buildings and embassies worldwide.
Andrew Parsons, a political photographer who has worked with several British prime ministers, told BBC that political portraits often carry a deeper message. “It’s a message picture. I’m delivering you a message. It’s not like a candid laugh; it’s a stern, hard look straight down the barrel of the lens,” he said of Trump’s new image.
The legacy of political portraits
The release of the portrait has drawn polarised reactions. Supporters have lauded the photo as a symbol of strength and resolve. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk expressed his approval on social media, writing, “Dad is home.”
Dad is home. pic.twitter.com/yHHjqlECe3
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 16, 2025
Many others see the image as setting the tone for a new era in Washington, one focused on retribution and a “strong hand,” as promised during Trump’s campaign.
Critics, however, have pointed to the photo’s confrontational tone, with some describing it as more fitting for a movie poster than a presidential portrait. The lighting, pose, and expression, they argue, project an air of intimidation rather than unity or approachability.
Yet, the photo’s impact is undeniable. As Eric Draper explained, “The official portrait of the president is the most printed, most seen image of the president, ever.”
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Historically, presidential portraits have served as a reflection of both the individual leader and the mood of the nation. Pete Souza, who photographed Barack Obama during his presidency, noted that Obama’s first official portrait captured a “hint of a smile,” reflecting the somber tone of the nation during the recession, reported The New York Times.
By contrast, Trump’s latest image opts for a bold, dramatic approach, a deliberate choice to project strength and authority. As Parsons observed, “A picture can make or break a political campaign.”
For Trump, this portrait is more than just a photograph — it is a statement of intent and a visual representation of his leadership style.
With inputs from agencies
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