On Thursday, President-elect Donald Trump revealed his official inaugural portrait, which sparked heated online debates. The picture, which resembled Trump’s mugshot from 2023, immediately sparked debate and comparisons.

Advocates hailed the portrait as a symbol of strength and praised its audacious and defiant tone. However, the harsh look and dramatic lighting disturbed critics, who compared it to a villainous figure. One user remarked, “It’s like a nod to his mugshot,” alluding to the notorious image taken following Trump’s arrest in Georgia in 2023 on charges of election meddling.

Trump’s scowl and slightly cocked head, which are similar to the mugshot but more intense, are featured in the portrait, which was released alongside that of Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. Critics ridiculed it as more reminiscent of a “revenge tour” than of leadership, while supporters welcomed it as a declaration of resiliency.

Trump’s use of imagery has polarized public opinion, much like his 2016 portrait, and has reinforced his provocative symbolism.