News Summary
The U.S. Park Police removed a controversial statue depicting President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein from the National Mall shortly after its installation. Created by anonymous artists as part of ‘The Secret Handshake Project,’ the statue stirred debate on artistic expression and civil liberties. Featuring painted bronze figures and provocative plaques, the statue was taken down due to alleged permit violations, raising questions about the state’s role in regulating public art. The incident has reignited discussions surrounding Trump’s past associations with Epstein and the implications for freedom of expression.
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Park Police promptly removed a controversial statue depicting President Donald Trump holding hands with Jeffrey Epstein from the National Mall early Wednesday morning. The 12-foot statue, created by anonymous artists as part of “The Secret Handshake Project,” was installed just hours earlier, on Tuesday. It drew attention due to its provocative design and the themes it explored regarding the two figures’ past associations.
The statue featured painted bronze figures of Trump and Epstein, with attached plaques quoting a lewd note Trump allegedly inscribed for Epstein’s 50th birthday. One of the plaques read, “In Honor of Friendship Month, we celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his ‘closest friend,’ Jeffrey Epstein.” Trump’s involvement in Epstein’s life has been a subject of scrutiny, though he has denied any connection to the 2003 birthday book containing the quoted messages.
The statue was taken down by U.S. Park Police around 5:30 a.m., a mere few hours after its installation on 3rd Street SW, just west of the U.S. Capitol. The Department of the Interior indicated that the removal was due to noncompliance with the issued permit. However, details regarding the specific terms of the permit were not immediately clarified by a National Park Service spokesperson.
Despite the quick dismantling of the statue, the artists claimed they had received approval for the statue to remain on display until 8 p.m. on the upcoming Sunday. This disconnect contributed to wider discussions regarding the implications of the removal on civil liberties and artistic expression.
Additionally, White House Press Secretary Abigail Jackson commented on the situation, stating that “Liberals are free to waste their money,” and reiterated that Trump distanced himself from Epstein. Jackson contended that Democrats and the media had long been aware of Epstein’s misconduct while Trump sought transparency regarding Epstein’s associations.
The statue’s creators characterized its removal as an attack on civil liberties, echoing concerns that artistic expression is under threat in the current political climate. In the past, Washington, D.C. has hosted other controversial art pieces, including a bronze depiction of a poop emoji and various works critical of Trump.
As political dialogue continues to evolve, the imagery and themes of this statue were perceived as part of a broader critique of Trump’s past connections with Epstein and other notable figures, including Bill Clinton and legal analyst Alan Dershowitz. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in jail in 2019 while facing charges of sex trafficking.
This incident has ignited further debate on the intersection of art, politics, and freedom of expression, particularly in spaces like the National Mall known for their significance in American history and democracy. While the statue itself may no longer be visible, its abrupt removal raises questions about the state’s role in regulating artistic installations in public spaces.
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Trump’s past relationships, including those with Epstein, continues to resonate within political and public spheres, affecting public perceptions and discussions related to both individuals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Statue Unveiled in Washington Depicting Trump and Epstein
Controversial Statue of Trump and Epstein Installed on National Mall
Additional Resources
- The Guardian
- Wikipedia: Donald Trump
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jeffrey Epstein
- CNN
- Google Search: Trump Epstein statue
- WUSA9
- Google News: Trump Epstein statue removal
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
