Installation on the National Mall sparks controversy
A satirical statue depicting former President Donald Trump holding hands with Jeffrey Epstein briefly appeared on Washington D.C.’s National Mall before being removed less than 24 hours later. The artwork, titled Best Friends Forever, portrayed both figures smiling and celebrating, accompanied by a plaque referencing “Friendship Month.”
The artistic collective The Secret Handshake claimed responsibility for the installation, describing it as an effort to provoke discussion through satire.
Permit issues and freedom of expression debate
Although the National Park Service had granted a temporary permit for the statue to remain until the end of the week, U.S. Park Police removed it overnight, citing noncompliance with the permit. Specific details about the violation were not disclosed.
The group accused authorities of failing to provide the required written notice before removal and claimed that the statue was damaged during the process. Later, members reported that they were allowed to see the sculpture in broken pieces after it had been taken away.
Broader context and artistic background
The installation drew attention due to the long-standing public scrutiny surrounding Trump’s past association with Epstein, who died in 2019 while facing charges related to sexual exploitation. Trump has stated that their relationship ended years prior to Epstein’s arrest, but the connection continues to resurface in political and public debates.
The Secret Handshake has previously staged similar satirical works in the nation’s capital, often using temporary statues to comment on political and social issues. These projects highlight ongoing tensions between political art, public satire, and government regulations on expression in federal spaces.
