A controversial statue depicting President Donald Trump holding hands with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has reappeared on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., days after it was dismantled by the National Park Service (NPS).
The artwork, titled “Best Friends Forever”, portrays Trump and Epstein standing side by side with playful poses, while a plaque between them reads:
In Honor of Friendship Month, we celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his ‘closest friend,’ Jeffrey Epstein.
Why was the Trump-Epstein statue removed?
Last week, NPS confirmed the statue’s removal, citing “non-compliance with the permit issued.” The piece was severely damaged during dismantling, but the activist art collective “The Secret Handshake”, responsible for the installation, restored and reassembled it for public display.
A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior said the original removal was procedural, not political. However, the group behind the statue insisted they received approval for its return before the federal government shutdown on September 30.
Trump’s Response
Trump has long denied claims of close ties to Epstein, calling accusations linking him to the disgraced financier a “Democratic hoax.” Still, the statue’s return reignites public debate over Trump’s past associations.
Who is “The Secret Handshake”?
The activist collective has become known for provocative political art installations, including:
“The Resolute Desk” (2024): A bronze replica of Nancy Pelosi’s desk topped with a poop emoji sculpture.
“The Donald J. Trump Enduring Flame” (2023): A bronze tiki torch mocking Trump’s 2017 Charlottesville remarks.
“Dictator Approved” (2022): A golden hand crushing the Statue of Liberty’s crown.
The group’s works often go viral for their satirical critique of U.S. politics.
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