A new bronze statue has appeared on the east end of the National Mall, drawing attention from Washington DC residents and tourists. The statue depicts Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands, smiling, and kicking a foot in the air. A plaque at the base reads that it celebrates the “long-lasting bond” between the two men. The National Park Service has permitted the statue to remain until 8 p.m. Sunday.
The artist behind the piece remains unknown, though its style and message are similar to other recent sculptures critical of the former president. In past years, the National Mall has hosted provocative art installations targeting Trump, including a bronze pile of poop on a congressional desk and a sculpture called “Dictator Approved,” which shows a golden thumbs-up crushing the Statue of Liberty’s crown. The new statue continues this trend, focusing on the former president’s past relationship with a convicted sex offender.
The statue references an alleged letter from Trump to Epstein in his 50th birthday book. The letter reportedly included a drawing of a nude woman’s torso and lines suggesting the two had “certain things in common” and that “enigmas never age.” Other public figures, including former President Bill Clinton and lawyer Alan Dershowitz, are also listed in Epstein’s birthday book and flight logs. The lines from the alleged birthday letter appear on plaques around the statue, including beneath Trump’s and Epstein’s feet and on a third plaque marking “Friendship Month” with hands forming a heart.
The installation has generated strong public reactions. Visitors stop to view the statue, read the plaques, and take photos. Online discussions quickly emerged, with some seeing it as a critique of Trump’s past associations and others considering it a provocative spectacle. The statue shines a spotlight on a topic that has long caused divisions within the president’s base and kept public attention on his ties to Epstein.
The White House responded sharply to the installation. A statement said, “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.” Despite the response, the statue has reignited discussions about Trump’s history with Epstein and its impact on public perception.
The Trump Epstein public statue demonstrates how art can spark conversation about political and social issues. It highlights the lasting public interest in the former president’s controversial relationships. The temporary installation will remain a focal point for visitors until the permit expires, leaving a strong impression on Washington DC’s cultural landscape.
