A mysterious statue of former President Donald Trump, unveiled on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., has sparked conversation due to its unflattering portrayal. This 12-foot statue depicts Trump holding hands with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, both smiling at each other while balancing on one leg, in what is described as a prance.
This new installation is the work of a group calling themselves The Secret Handshake, known for their anti-Trump art pieces. The group has previously created installations like the “Dictator Approved” sculpture and the “Gold TV statue.” Their latest work coincides with what they humorously refer to as “Friendship Month,” nodding to the infamous former friendship between Trump and Epstein. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, and Trump’s alleged connection to Epstein has evoked criticism toward his administration.
The statue, positioned opposite the U.S. Capitol and permitted by the National Park Service, is set to remain until the end of the week. Three plaques are part of the installation, one of which inscribes a satirical celebration of Trump and Epstein’s bond. The other two plaques cite lines from a controversial birthday note allegedly written by Trump to Epstein in 2003. This note, recently released by the House Oversight Committee, features lines of text bordered by a naked woman’s silhouette with Trump’s purported signature. Trump denied writing the note and subsequently filed a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal regarding its initial report on the matter.
The reaction to the installation has not been limited to the United States. In a separate incident, protest art related to the Epstein scandal emerged overseas during Trump’s UK state visit, leading to the arrest of four individuals after images of Trump and Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle.
This surprise art installation by The Secret Handshake aims to provoke thought on the complex and contentious issues surrounding Trump’s past associations and ongoing political discourse.