[8] At the unveiling, Obama appreciated Wiley's ability to show “the beauty and the grace and the dignity” of black people in a grand way.

Obama commended the painting for avoiding making him “look like Napoleon” as many of Wiley's previous subjects were on horseback.

[9] National Gallery Director Kim Sajet supported both the selection and the artist's rendition, commending Wiley on his ability to integrate popular culture into the realm of high art.

Some see the portraits as political and historical commentary; elegant as an attempt to subvert the racist insults experienced by Obama during his presidency but vibrant enough to entice the viewer.

[13] The public response on social media included humorous reflections on the portrait in the form of memes, featuring cartoon character Homer Simpson and using wordplay to comment on the use of bushes in the portrait, comparing the bushes to the family of Obama's predecessor George W.