Russian artist reveals mystery Trump portrait gifted by Putin to the US president

In March, Russian president Vladimir Putin gifted Donald Trump a mystery portrait of the US president.

The painting 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 artwork has given CNN an exclusive look at the portrait.

The painting gifted to the US president shows Trump raising his fist on stage after the failed assassination attempt at his Butler, Pennsylvania rally in July 2024 and is the work of Nikas Safronov, one of Russia’s most famous artists, the Kremlin confirmed to CNN.

“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 told CNN in Moscow.

In March, Russian president Vladimir Putin gifted Donald Trump a mystery portrait of the US president.

The painting 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 artwork has given CNN an exclusive look at the portrait.

The painting gifted to the US president shows Trump raising his fist on stage after the failed assassination attempt at his Butler, Pennsylvania rally in July 2024 and is the work of Nikas Safronov, one of Russia’s most famous artists, the Kremlin confirmed to CNN.

“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 told CNN in Moscow.