A Trump and Epstein statue has been installed in Washington DC, drawing immediate attention for its controversial design and public display. The bronze work shows Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein embracing in the pose made famous by Jack and Rose on the Titanic, with Trump holding Epstein as he stretches his arms outward. The sculpture is titled “King of the World” and is intended to highlight the personal connection the two men shared, according to the group behind the project.
The installation, created by the collective known as Secret Handshake, includes a plaque explaining the inspiration behind the work. It reads that the famous Titanic embrace represented a story “built on luxurious travel, raucous parties and secret nude sketches” and declares that the statue “honours the bond between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.” The choice of pose and title has sparked wide debate about the appropriateness of commemorating a convicted sex offender alongside a sitting US President.
This is not the first provocative work by Secret Handshake. Earlier this year, the group erected a ten-foot replica of a birthday message allegedly from Trump to Epstein. The letter featured a drawing of a nude figure and included text that seemed to suggest a shared secret. Trump has repeatedly denied writing or signing the message and has maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity during their social interactions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated at the time, “It is very clear President Trump did not draw this picture and did not sign it.”
The Trump and Epstein statue has reignited discussions about the former president’s relationship with Epstein and the broader implications of public monuments that reference real-life controversies. Critics argue the work is insensitive and provocative, while supporters of Secret Handshake defend it as a form of social commentary. The public display on the US Capitol grounds ensures that the conversation will continue, raising questions about the line between art, satire, and commemoration.
By combining bold symbolism with real-life scandal, the statue captures attention and forces reflection on the intertwined worlds of wealth, power, and criminality. Observers note that the choice to place such a figure in the heart of Washington DC transforms private histories into a public spectacle, prompting debate on ethics, influence, and the power of art to challenge societal norms.
