The official portraits of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have been released ahead of their inauguration on Monday (January 20). The portraits, described by the Trump transition team as "going hard," showcase the contrasting styles of the incoming leaders.

Trump is depicted in a blue suit with a white shirt and blue tie, wearing a U.S. flag pin. His expression is defiant, with a tilted head and raised eyebrow, reminiscent of his 2023 mugshot from Fulton County Jail, where he was charged with attempting to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. Trump denied these charges and used the mugshot as a fundraising tool for his campaign.

In contrast, Vance's portrait presents a more relaxed and traditional image. He is smiling with crossed arms, reflecting a sense of disbelief at his rapid political ascent. Vance, who will be the first vice president with facial hair in nearly a century, is noted for his youthful appearance at age 40, making him one of the youngest vice presidents in history.

Vicki McKenna