Donald Trump's mysterious gift from Russia has finally been revealed
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, World News
Rhiannon Ingle
Featured Image Credit: JORGE SILVA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, World News
The mysterious gift Donald Trump received from Russian president Vladimir Putin has finally been revealed.
Last month, Putin, 72, gifted the 78-year-old Republican leader a portrait painting which was delivered by Trump envoy, Steve Witkoff who previously described it as 'a beautiful portrait' by a 'leading Russian artist' to podcast host, Tucker Carlson.
At the time, Trump said he was 'clearly touched' by the painting of himself and, now, details surrounding the Kremlin-commissioned artwork have been shared with the public.
According to CNN, who were given an exclusive look at the portrait by the artist, the painting depicts Trump holding his balled up fist high in the air following his failed assassination attempt which took place at a Pennsylvania rally in July of last year.
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The assassination attempt saw Trump targeted by a 20-year-old man, who fired eight rounds from an AR-15-style rifle from the roof of a nearby building.
Thomas Matthew Crooks was subsequently shot and killed by a member of the US Secret Service, after convicted felon Trump endured a wound in his upper right ear.
Crooks' aim also killed one audience member and critically injured two others.
Just a matter of weeks later, another incident occurred at Trump's Mar-a-Lago, Florida estate, which saw a man was arrested from the scene, carrying an AK-47-style weapon in his hands.
Reflecting on the two attempts made on his life last year, he told Capitol Rotunda attendees back in January: "I was saved by God to make America great again."
The artist who depicted such a scene is none other than Nikas Safronov - who is reportedly one of Russia’s most famous artists.
"It was important to me to show the blood, the scar and his bravery during the attempt on his life," Safronov told CNN in Moscow.
"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."
Safronov explained that he was 'visited by some people who said they want me to paint Trump as I see him'.
CNN reports that the artist did not initially know who his 'visitors' were, but he explained that as a prominent artist, 'there are clients who do not go into details'.
But, according to the outlet, Safronov suspected it was the Kremlin.
“When I started the portrait, I realised this could bring our countries closer, and decided not to charge any money because I suspected what this painting was for," he added.
However, Safronov later said that he was contacted by Putin himself, 'who told him the flattering Trump portrait was an important step in improving Russia’s relationship with the United States', per CNN.