Moscow
NCS
—
In March, Russian president Vladimir Putin gifted Donald Trump a mystery portrait of the US president.
The portray was delivered by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, who, in an interview with podcast host Tucker Carlson, described it as “a beautiful portrait” by a “leading Russian artist.”
Trump, he added, was “clearly touched by it.”
But the portrait itself was not publicly revealed.
Now, the artist behind the Kremlin-commissioned paintings has given NCS an unique take a look at the portrait.
The portray gifted to the US president exhibits Trump elevating his fist on stage after the failed assassination try at his Butler, Pennsylvania rally in July 2024 and is the work of Nikas Safronov, considered one of Russia’s most well-known artists, the Kremlin confirmed to NCS.
“It was important to me to show the blood, the scar and his bravery during the attempt on his life. He didn’t break down or become afraid, but raised his arm to show he is one with America and will bring back what it deserves,” the artist advised NCS in Moscow.
Safronov is not any stranger to portraits of world leaders, having painted dozens of worldwide figures together with the late Pope Francis, India’s President Narendra Modi and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
For his Trump portrait, Safronov stated, he was “visited by some people who said they want me to paint Trump as I see him.” He didn’t initially know who his “visitors” have been, he added, explaining that as a distinguished artist, “there are clients who do not go into details” – however he suspected it was the Kremlin.
“When I started the portrait, I realized this could bring our countries closer, and decided not to charge any money because I suspected what this painting was for,” the artist stated.
Later although, he says, he was contacted by Putin himself, who advised him the flattering Trump portrait was an necessary step in enhancing Russia’s relationship with the United States.
The Kremlin didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
The portrait which was gifted to Trump by Putin is analogous to a portray that now hangs in the Grand Foyer of the White House, after an official portrait of former President Barack Obama was moved from the location.
The dramatic picture of Trump elevating his proper fist, with blood splattered throughout his face, grew to become an emblem of energy in his presidential marketing campaign.