History Lessons at the Colorado Capitol

STUDENT TOURS | Colorado Capitol, Tuesday, March 25. (Photo/El Comercio de Colorado)

By Jesús Sánchez Meleán

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

This Tuesday, March 25, a group of fourth graders from a school in Arvada had a history class like no other. They toured the Colorado Capitol, watched from the gallery as lawmakers debated in both chambers, and listened to their teacher share lessons they surely won’t forget.

The first of those lessons took place in front of the gallery of portraits of former U.S. presidents. There, the teacher took the opportunity to tell them the curious story of Grover Cleveland, the only president elected twice in non-consecutive terms. He was the 22nd president and then the 24th.

A rare case in U.S. political history—one that stood unmatched for over a century… until now. The teacher explained that this story now has a new chapter: Donald Trump also managed to serve two non-consecutive terms. He was the 45th president and now the 47th.

History Lessons at the Colorado Capitol

Like Cleveland, Trump lost an election and then returned to power, the teacher explained aiming to spark the children’s curiosity about the quirks of history. But what the students didn’t expect was the second lesson of the day—one not yet found in any textbook.

I’m referring to the absence of Trump’s portrait in the Colorado Capitol’s presidential gallery. There hung the images of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. But where Trump’s portrait should have been, there was only an empty space and a plaque with his name. The story behind that empty spot is recent—and telling.

Trump’s portrait had been commissioned in 2018 and hung in 2019 after a fundraiser led by Republican legislators. However, just hours ago, Trump himself lashed out at the painting on his social network Truth, claiming it was “deliberately distorted.” He said he’d rather “have no portrait” than be represented that way.

History Lessons at the Colorado Capitol

He blamed, without reason, Democratic Governor Jared Polis and demanded the immediate removal of the portrait. And so, it happened. Republicans echoed the demand, and Democrats raised no objection. The result: one less portrait in the gallery and a message those kids may not fully understand yet—but will surely remember.

Because that empty space on the wall speaks to how even history can be rewritten… or erased. In the end, the lesson was twofold. They learned about Cleveland and the ups and downs of democracy. And they also saw, with their own eyes, what it means to live in a democracy where even presidents can take offense.

You may also like:

Federal Loans Banned for Immigrants Without Permanent Residency

Lawmakers demand reinstatement of legal aid for migrant children

Bill Benefiting Food Trucks in Colorado Moves Forward