WASHINGTON – A controversial sculpture depicting former President Donald Trump and the late Jeffrey Epstein holding hands was unveiled Monday on the National Mall, drawing immediate attention and sparking debate. The artwork, created by the Secret Handshake Project, places a life-sized statue of Trump alongside one of Epstein, a convicted sex offender, in a purposeful act of protest.
The installation arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s past associations with Epstein, a relationship frequently highlighted by critics and resurfacing in the wake of legal developments related to Epstein’s associates. The sculpture aims to draw attention to the unanswered questions surrounding the extent of Trump’s connection to Epstein and the broader issues of power, privilege, and accountability surrounding the sex offender’s crimes. Similar protest actions have occurred internationally, underscoring the global reach of the controversy.
The sculpture’s unveiling follows a recent incident in the United Kingdom where four individuals were arrested after projecting images of Trump with Epstein onto windsor Castle during the former president’s state visit on September 16. The projections occurred during Trump’s visit to the UK in June 2019, and the recent arrests highlight the continued sensitivity surrounding the issue.
The Secret Handshake Project, known for its politically charged art installations, intends the sculpture to serve as a visual reminder of the allegations and associations that continue to follow Trump, even after leaving office.The group hopes the artwork will encourage further investigation and public discussion about the relationship and its implications.