A giant, ten-foot-tall replica of a birthday card allegedly sent from Donald Trump to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been installed on the National Mall in Washington DC. The provocative display appeared overnight, strategically timed for a politically sensitive anniversary.
Art as Political Protest: The Details of the Display
The artwork was created by a left-leaning collective known as The Secret Handshake. According to a news release from the group, the installation is deliberately timed to coincide with Epstein's birthday on January 20. This date also marks the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration, layering the protest with additional political significance.
The massive mock-up features a printed inscription that reads, 'Happy birthday to a ‘Terrific guy!’' – a phrase reportedly used in the original correspondence. The display also includes a sketch of a nude woman, echoing the controversial themes associated with Epstein. It was placed near the U.S. Capitol, ensuring high visibility from lawmakers and tourists alike.
A Pattern of Provocative Installations
This is not the first time The Secret Handshake has used large-scale art to highlight Trump's past connections to Epstein. In the autumn of 2025, the group was behind a travelling statue that depicted Trump and Epstein laughing and holding hands. That statue appeared at various locations around Washington DC, drawing widespread media attention and public debate.
Trump has consistently denied any close friendship with Epstein and has taken legal action over the reporting of these alleged links. He notably sued The Wall Street Journal over its reporting on the original birthday letter, which forms the basis of this new art piece. These denials and lawsuits form a key part of the backdrop against which The Secret Handshake is operating.
Context and Implications
The installation represents a continued effort by activist artists to keep the Epstein scandal and its alleged connections to powerful figures in the public eye. By choosing such a prominent location on the National Mall, the group guarantees maximum impact and media coverage, forcing a public conversation during a significant political moment.
This form of political protest, utilising bold and controversial imagery in the heart of the US capital, underscores the deeply polarised nature of current American politics. It transforms a historical allegation into an unavoidable physical presence, challenging both public figures and passers-by to confront the uncomfortable claims head-on.
