Trump Hangs Photo of Himself with Putin in White House

The photo in the newly renovated Palm Room sparked criticism from European leaders.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:55pm

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Former President Donald Trump has hung a photo of himself alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin in the newly renovated White House Palm Room. The photo, taken during an August 2025 summit between the two leaders, hangs just above a separate picture of Trump with his 6-year-old granddaughter. The Putin photo has drawn criticism from European leaders, with one Estonian politician saying "If it is true that the U.S. president considers it appropriate to hang on the White House wall a photo of the greatest war criminal of the 21st century, then a just and sustainable peace will have to wait."

Why it matters

Trump's decision to prominently display a photo with Putin, who has been isolated by Western nations since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, is seen as controversial and raises questions about Trump's relationship with the Russian leader. The move also comes as Trump has invited Putin to join his newly created 'Board of Peace' organization, further stoking concerns about his foreign policy approach.

The details

The photo of Trump and Putin was hung in the recently renovated White House Palm Room, an area that connects the front of the White House and the Rose Garden. The room now features a flashy new chandelier and marble floors, replacing the previous soft lighting and potted plants. The photo shows the two leaders standing together during an August 2025 summit in Anchorage, Alaska, which was Trump's first meeting with Putin since returning to office.

  • The photo was hung in the newly renovated White House Palm Room.
  • The Trump-Putin summit took place in August 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who hung the photo of himself with Vladimir Putin in the White House.

Vladimir Putin

The president of Russia who was photographed with Donald Trump and whose photo was hung in the White House.

Marko Mihkelson

The chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Estonia's parliament who criticized the display of the Trump-Putin photo in the White House.

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What they’re saying

“If it is true that the U.S. president considers it appropriate to hang on the White House wall a photo of the greatest war criminal of the 21st century, then a just and sustainable peace will have to wait. Unfortunately.”

— Marko Mihkelson, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Estonia's parliament

What’s next

Trump has invited Putin to join his newly created 'Board of Peace' organization, which has a 20-point plan to end global conflict. It remains to be seen if Putin will accept the invitation.

The takeaway

Trump's decision to prominently display a photo with Putin in the White House, despite the Russian leader's isolation due to the invasion of Ukraine, is seen as highly controversial and raises concerns about Trump's foreign policy approach and relationship with the Russian president.