Satirical ‘Titanic’ Statue of Trump and Epstein Surfaces on National Mall
A provocative statue depicting Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein in a recreation of the iconic scene from the film Titanic has appeared on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., sparking immediate attention and debate. The sculpture, titled “King of the World,” is the latest function attributed to the anonymous artist collective known as The Secret Handshake.
The Sculpture and Its Message
The nearly 12-foot-tall golden sculpture portrays Trump standing behind Epstein, with arms outstretched, mirroring the famous pose of Jack and Rose at the prow of the doomed ocean liner. The installation references the 1997 blockbuster film, with Trump echoing Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jack, proclaiming “I’m the king of the world!”
A plaque accompanying the artwork draws a parallel between the fictional romance and the real-life association between Trump and Epstein. It reads, “The tragic love story between Jack and Rose was built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches. This monument honors the bond between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, a friendship seemingly built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches.” TIME
Additional banners near the installation feature a photograph of Trump and Epstein alongside Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Safe Again,” with the word “Justice” redacted from the Justice Department insignia. TIME
The Secret Handshake and Previous Works
The Secret Handshake is an anonymous collective responsible for a series of satirical statues targeting President Trump. This latest installation follows a “Jeffrey Epstein Walk of Shame” installed in Farragut Square, featuring Hollywood-style stars bearing the names of prominent figures linked to Epstein. The Guardian
The group’s members remain unknown, and it is unclear if the recent installations are connected. The Guardian The artists reportedly obtain permits for their installations through intermediaries to maintain their anonymity. TIME
Official Response
The White House has dismissed the statue as a politically motivated display. Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson questioned why “wealthy Democrat donors” don’t create sculptures of Democrats who also had ties to Epstein. TIME
Context and Ongoing Scrutiny
The sculpture arrives amid continued scrutiny of Trump’s relationship with Epstein, whose name appears thousands of times in the Epstein files. The Guardian The installation appears intended to maintain public focus on these files despite other current events, such as the war in Iran. The Guardian
The duration of the statue’s display remains uncertain, as permits for installations on the National Mall typically have an expiration date. TIME