President Trump has signed a permanent ban on use of taxpayer funds for paintings of executive branch officials and members of Congress.
The Eliminating Government-funded Oil-painting (EGO) Act passed both houses of Congress without opposition this year, and Trump quietly signed the bill Tuesday.
The ban previously passed as a temporary measure in 2014 after report surfaced showing the cost of paintings featuring Obama administration officials.
The restriction applies to any “officer or employee” of the federal government, and specifically lists the president, vice president, members of Congress, and the heads of executive branch agencies.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., was the lead sponsor in the Senate. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., was the lead sponsor in the House.
Various members of Trump’s Cabinet are ensnared in controversy over spending, including Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson using office funds to order a $31,000 dining room set and Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin’s staff allegedly doctoring an email to support expensing his wife’s travel in Europe.
The use of taxpayer money for oil paintings embarrassed the Obama administration, notably after Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson spent $38,350 in official funds on an oil painting of herself.
Between 2010 and mid-2013, the Obama administration reportedly spent more than $400,000 on oil paintings of agency leaders. Other Obama-era paintings include a portrait of Air Force Secretary Michael Donley for $41,200 and a portrait of Agriculture Department Secretary Tom Vilsack for $22,500.
However, the practice of pricey oil paintings had bipartisan appeal. The Washington Times reported that before Jackson, Bush-era EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson spent about $30,000 in taxpayer funds on a painting of himself.
“This bill strikes at the uncontrolled egos and, I hope, sends a message to those narcissists among us that they can stay that way if they wish, but the taxpayer is not going to pay for their oil painting,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., during a floor speech.
The temporary ban sent officials looking elsewhere for funding. Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., reportedly used $7,000 in campaign funds for an official painting of himself.
Trump did not issue a statement on his decision to sign the EGO Act.
