Jacob Weisberg’s new book, Profiles in Cowardice, reports that George W. Bush painted a private, unflattering portrait of Donald Trump and keeps it hidden. Weisberg calls the image a "really ugly picture of Trump" and suggests Bush uses painting as a private outlet instead of publicly criticizing his successor. The book criticizes Bush for remaining silent while other ex-presidents have at times spoken out. The report contrasts Bush’s secrecy with Trump’s public objections last year to an unflattering portrait displayed at the Colorado State Capitol.
Bush’s Hidden Portrait Of Trump Described As “Really Ugly,” New Book Says
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Former President George W. Bush has reportedly painted a private, unflattering portrait of Donald Trump that he refuses to show to others, journalist Jacob Weisberg writes in his new book, Profiles in Cowardice.
Speaking to The Intelligencer, Weisberg says Bush keeps the work under wraps and that the unseen image is a "really ugly picture of Trump." According to the account, Bush has used post-presidential painting as a personal outlet to process political feelings while deliberately avoiding public criticism of his successor.
Art As Private Expression
Weisberg suggests the portrait functions as a kind of private commentary—comparing it to the conceit of The Picture of Dorian Gray—and describes Bush’s painting practice as a form of "art therapy" that lets the former president express emotions he chooses not to air publicly.
"A really ugly picture of Trump," Weisberg said, and he framed Bush’s silence as a conscious decision to avoid publicly criticizing a successor.
Criticism For Staying Silent
In Profiles in Cowardice, Weisberg criticizes Bush for adhering to a strict norm that ex-presidents should refrain from public attacks on their successors. Weisberg argues Bush "could have done that, and he should have done that," noting that other former presidents have at times spoken out about Trump’s policies and conduct.
An Ironic Echo
Weisberg’s account highlights an ironic contrast with Donald Trump’s own public reaction to art. Last year, Trump publicly attacked a portrait of himself displayed at the Colorado State Capitol—calling it "purposefully distorted" and the "worst depiction" of him—and urged its removal. The White House later provided Colorado with a replacement portrait that appeared to draw on his official photograph.
For now, Weisberg says, Bush’s critical artistic verdict remains private: the portrait is unseen because the former president reportedly will not allow it to be displayed.
Reported sources: Jacob Weisberg’s Profiles in Cowardice and an interview with The Intelligencer.
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