Trump-Epstein statue on National Mall sparks controversy before removal: What to know
Trump-Epstein statue removed from National Mall. Image Credit: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call Inc. via Getty Images
A controversial statue of President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein appeared briefly on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., before being removed by U.S. Park Police early Wednesday morning. The bronze piece, which showed the two figures holding hands and smiling, was installed near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday but lasted less than 24 hours.
Protest Art Installation Removed Before Sunrise
According to reports, the statue was taken down around 5:30 a.m. and loaded onto a flatbed truck. By sunrise, only an outline in the sand remained where the installation once stood.
The piece included a plaque declaring: “In honor of friendship month. We celebrate the long-standing bond between President Donald J. Trump and his closest friend Jeffrey Epstein.” Beneath the inscription, two carved hands formed a heart, referencing Trump’s alleged note in Epstein’s infamous “birthday book.”
Although a permit reportedly allowed the display to remain until Sunday, the sudden removal fueled public anger and revived debates over freedom of speech and government censorship.
Public Reaction: Free Speech or Political Suppression?
Spectators who arrived Wednesday morning expressed disappointment and frustration at the statue’s removal.
- Christopher Hooper, a Navy veteran, told Straight Arrow News: “It comes down to freedom of speech and that includes art… the fact that it’s gone, we are no longer in the threat of an authoritarian government, we are in an authoritarian government.”
- Others said the display represented growing concerns over erosion of democratic rights under the Trump administration.
The removal drew criticism particularly from D.C. residents, where anti-Trump sentiment is strong.
Trump-Epstein Connection Resurfaces
The Trump-Epstein relationship has long been a controversial subject. Epstein, the disgraced financier accused of sex trafficking minors, was once described as a “close friend” of Trump.
The statue’s inscriptions referenced alleged writings by Trump in Epstein’s 50th birthday book, where he hinted at “enigmas” and “certain things in common.” Critics argue the installation aimed to highlight Trump’s past ties, despite his repeated claims of distancing himself from Epstein.
The White House dismissed the display, saying: “Liberals are free to waste their money however they see fit, but it’s not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep.”
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Political Context: Epstein Files and Congress Pressure
The statue comes as pressure mounts in Congress to release sealed Epstein files. While Trump has labeled the issue a “Democratic hoax,” Democrats, along with some Republicans like Rep. Thomas Massie, are pushing for disclosure.
With Arizona Democrat Adelita Grijalva poised to provide the final vote on a discharge petition, a congressional showdown over the files may be imminent. Observers believe the timing of the statue was intended to underscore this escalating fight.
Symbolism in Protest Art
The Trump-Epstein statue joins a series of provocative artworks displayed on the National Mall in recent years. Past installations included a bronze pile of excrement on a congressional desk and a golden “Dictator Approved” thumbs-up crushing the Statue of Liberty’s crown.
Each piece reflects sharp criticism of Trump and his administration, blending political satire, symbolism, and social protest.
FAQ on Trump Epstein Statue
Q1: What was the Trump-Epstein statue on the National Mall?
A: It was a protest art installation depicting President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands with a plaque referencing their alleged friendship.
Q2: Who created the Trump-Epstein statue?
A: The artist remains unidentified, but the style is similar to past protest works critical of Trump displayed on the Mall.
Q3: Why was the Trump-Epstein statue removed?
A: U.S. Park Police removed the installation early Wednesday morning despite reports that a permit allowed it to remain until Sunday.
Q4: What did the plaque on the statue say?
A: It read: “In honor of friendship month. We celebrate the long-standing bond between President Donald J. Trump and his closest friend Jeffrey Epstein.”
Q5: How did the public react to the removal?
A: Many visitors criticized the removal as a violation of free speech and an example of government suppression of protest art.
Q6: What is the link between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein?
A: Epstein was once described as a close associate of Trump, who appeared in Epstein’s social circles. Trump later claimed he cut ties with Epstein, calling him “a creep.”
Q7: Did the statue reference Epstein’s birthday book?
A: Yes. The installation cited alleged inscriptions from Trump in Epstein’s 50th birthday book, suggesting shared “enigmas” and common interests.
Q8: What role does Congress play in the Epstein files?
A: Lawmakers are pushing for the release of sealed Epstein documents. A pending discharge petition could soon force a House vote, intensifying political tensions.
Q9: Was the Trump-Epstein statue legal?
A: Reports indicate there was a permit for the display until Sunday, raising questions about why it was removed prematurely.
Q10: What is the significance of protest art like the Trump-Epstein statue?
A: Such works use symbolism to challenge political power, highlight controversial relationships, and spark debate on free speech and accountability.