A striking replica of a birthday note, accompanied by a crude drawing signed with the name Donald J. Trump, was installed on the National Mall early Monday morning. This piece is part of an artistic endeavor by an anonymous group called “The Secret Handshake,” which aims to critique the former president. The installation, which measures 10 feet high and 12 feet wide, features a message included in a birthday book gifted to the late Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday, alongside other works that the group has previously displayed at the same location.
Previous installations by The Secret Handshake include a statue depicting Trump and Epstein holding hands while skipping, a mock tribute showcasing authoritarian leaders praising Trump, and a replica of Nancy Pelosi’s desk covered with fake excrement, symbolizing derision towards the January 6 Capitol rioters. The current artwork is situated along Third Street NW, between Jefferson and Madison drives, and will remain there through Friday under a National Park Service permit.
In response to the installation, Trump has publicly rejected authorship of the note, asserting that the signature is not his. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson criticized the artistic display, questioning the motives behind it and sarcastically highlighting the connections of other political figures to Epstein.
The thought-provoking installation also features a stack of marble blocks resembling a filing cabinet, with drawers labeled “The Files.” Visitors are invited to sign the giant card while upholding rules against promotional, violent, or hateful language. The replica card features a dialogue that reflects on Trump’s purported relationship with Epstein, raising pertinent questions about political connections and accountability.
The installation’s creators underscored the intention to spark dialogue regarding Trump’s ties with Epstein, using public artwork to bring attention to significant political contexts. As visitors stopped to engage with the piece, sentiments expressed on the card leaned heavily toward negativity regarding Trump.
Local residents shared mixed reactions, with some appreciating the artistic representation of a complex narrative surrounding Trump and Epstein, while others speculated on the likelihood that the administration would permit the installation to remain. As the nation paused to honor Martin Luther King Jr., the installation served as a bold reminder of ongoing political discourse, with onlookers reflecting on the implications of such artistic expressions in the heart of the nation’s capital.