Vanity Fair photographer explains reason behind viral portraits of Trump’s administration
Vanity Fair has published a series of controversial close-up portraits of top Trump administration officials. The photographs, part of a feature reflecting on the president’s first year back in office, include figures like Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Vice President JD Vance.
The images, taken by acclaimed photographer Christopher Anderson, employ an extreme, detailed close-up style. This approach vividly reveals skin textures and details, departing dramatically from traditional, formal political portraiture.
The collection has ignited significant online debate. Critics from both sides of the political spectrum have described the photos as unflattering, with some MAGA supporters accusing the magazine of intentionally making the subjects look bad.
Anderson has defended his artistic approach, stating the close-up style is a consistent part of his work. He denied any intention to portray the subjects negatively, aiming instead to “penetrate the theatre of politics.”
Particular attention has focused on the portrait of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Online commentators have criticized the image as “mean” and “unkind,” speculating about perceived imperfections.
Leavitt has not publicly addressed her portrait but has criticized the accompanying Vanity Fair article. She accused the writer of taking the Chief of Staff’s quotes out of context and engaging in “disingenuous reporting.”
The article’s author, Chris Whipple, has countered these claims. He maintains that all interviews were recorded and on the record, standing by the accuracy of his reporting amidst the administration’s complaints.
