An impromptu statue of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands was removed from the National Mall in Washington just a day after being erected by a group of anonymous artists. The piece, created by a group called The Secret Handshake, depicted the president and the late convicted sex offender smiling joyfully with a plaque celebrating 'friendship month' and their 'long-lasting bond'.
The National Park Service, part of the Department of the Interior, removed the statue because it was not compliant with the permit issued, according to spokesperson Elizabeth Peace. The permit had allowed the statue to remain until 8pm on Sunday, but the agency deemed it non-compliant.
The statue has sparked controversy amid ongoing calls for the release of the so-called Epstein files. Trump, who once called Epstein a 'terrific guy' in 2002, has since distanced himself, with the White House labelling Epstein 'a creep'. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
An artist identifying himself as Patrick said the group aimed to 'honor the one and only true friend Donald Trump seems to have in his life'. He expressed confusion over the removal, noting the administration's focus on preserving statues of Confederate figures. The White House responded by accusing Democrats and the media of inaction on Epstein while Trump pursues transparency.
