US president displays infamous mug shot outside Oval Office as symbol of defiance

US President Donald Trump’s infamous mug shot, a photo that has become a symbol of defiance for Trump and his supporters, now hangs proudly in the hallway outside the Oval Office.

The booking photo, which was taken in August 2023 after Trump surrendered to authorities in Georgia, shows him glaring into the camera, a moment that became iconic after he faced charges related to attempts to overturn the 2020 election in the state, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

This image, released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, has become a key element in Trump’s campaign branding. His team turned the mug shot into a fundraising tool, printing it on merchandise such as mugs, T-shirts, and hats, with Trump himself expressing pride in it as a symbol of his resistance against what he claims is political persecution.

While critics viewed the mug shot as a sign of disgrace, Trump and his supporters embraced it, elevating the image into a badge of honor. Trump has repeatedly condemned the legal charges against him as politically motivated, particularly in his bid to reclaim the White House in 2024.

In a symbolic move, Trump recreated the defiant expression from the mug shot for his official presidential portrait, which was released ahead of his January 2024 inauguration. The mug shot’s new prominent placement near the Oval Office reflects its continued significance to his image and narrative.

The framed photograph was first noticed in a photo taken during Trump's meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, hanging just behind the head of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in the hallway outside the Oval Office.

The mug shot, which Trump has touted as a historic image, has continued to capture public attention. Speaking to reporters in June 2023, Trump referred to it as the "best ever," even comparing it to iconic photos of legends like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. His son, Donald Trump Jr., predicted that it would go down in history as “the most iconic photo in US politics.”

Legal uncertainties loom over the future of the Georgia election interference case, especially with Trump’s return to the White House. Notably, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who led the case, was removed in December but has filed a request to have the ruling reversed by the Georgia Supreme Court.

As Trump navigates these legal challenges, including federal cases that were withdrawn following his 2024 election victory, the mug shot remains a focal point in his larger narrative—one that has spurred both controversy and a groundswell of support.

By Vafa Guliyeva