A provocative installation depicting a statue of President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands has sparked strong reactions from the White House and onlookers in Washington, D.C.
What Happened
Early on Tuesday morning, an anonymous group, self-identified as “The Secret Handshake,” erected a 12-foot statue of former President Donald Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on the National Mall. The statue, made of foam and wire and painted bronze, shows the two men in a seemingly playful pose, holding hands.
Alongside the installation, a plaque reads: “We celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his ‘closest friend’ Jeffrey Epstein.” The controversial plaque also includes a quote: “Voice Over: There must be more to life than having everything,” allegedly referencing a letter attributed to Trump and Epstein, which Trump has denied. Additional plaques feature more excerpts from this letter, which was recently released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.
Who Was Behind the Installation
The group responsible, “The Secret Handshake,” remains anonymous. The artists have not yet disclosed their identities or motives behind the installation, though the piece aligns with the political art movement seen throughout Washington in recent months. It has drawn attention for its satirical approach to political figures and relationships. The group claimed their piece was made to honor “Friendship Month,” a controversial theme given the highly sensitive nature of Epstein’s past.
Public Reaction
The White House was quick to respond to the installation, denouncing it as a waste of money and further politicizing the relationship between Epstein and Trump. A spokesperson for President Trump stated, “It’s not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep.”
The spokesperson further criticized Democrats, the media, and the group behind the statue for failing to act on Epstein’s past for years, despite having knowledge of his actions. The spokesperson reiterated Trump’s calls for transparency and the release of thousands of pages of documents related to Epstein.
The public reaction has been mixed. While some visitors to the site snapped photos with the statue, others found it distasteful. A representative from the group behind the installation told The Washington Post that the artwork was meant to be a commentary on the long-standing connections between influential figures and Epstein.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
As the installation drew crowds and media attention, the controversy surrounding it grew. While the statue itself has sparked significant debate, the overall response has raised questions about how political art is used to make statements about controversial figures in American politics. The artist behind the statue remains anonymous, though they have stated there is no connection to other recent political art pieces, including one dedicated to Trump’s Bitcoin policies.
The White House has vowed to continue its push for accountability, pointing to the president’s actions regarding Epstein and his advocacy for transparency.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
