New “Best Friends Forever” Trump-Epstein Statue Erected — Then Removed From National Mall
Washington, D.C. — September 25, 2025
A provocative statue depicting former President Donald Trump and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein hand in hand briefly appeared on the National Mall before being removed early Wednesday morning by U.S. Park Police. Washingtonian+3The Washington Post+3The Guardian+3
Statue’s Details & Message
- The 12-foot tall bronze-colored sculpture, titled “Best Friends Forever,” showed Trump and Epstein holding hands and smiling, each with one foot kicked back. The Washington Post+2The Guardian+2
- A plaque at the base read: “We celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his ‘closest friend’, Jeffrey Epstein.” Newsweek+3The Washington Post+3The Guardian+3
- The permit filed with the National Park Service stated the installation’s purpose was “to demonstrate freedom of speech and artistic expression using political imagery.” The Washington Post+2Washingtonian+2
- The group behind it remains anonymous, with some media reports attributing it to an activist collective calling themselves “The Secret Handshake.” The Guardian+3New York Post+3The Economic Times+3
Removal and Official Response
Though the statue was permitted to stay until 8 p.m. Sunday, authorities removed it early, citing permit noncompliance. New York Post+3The Washington Post+3Washingtonian+3 Park Police executed the removal around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. The Washington Post+2Washingtonian+2
The White House response was dismissive. In a statement, it said:
“Liberals are free to waste their money however they see fit — but it’s not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep.” New York Post+3Newsweek+3The Washington Post+3
Why This Matters
This installation reignites scrutiny over Trump’s past associations with Epstein — a topic that has repeatedly resurfaced in recent years. Wikipedia+4The Guardian+4The Washington Post+4
Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, stating he distanced from Epstein years ago. Wikipedia+3The Washington Post+3Newsweek+3 Meanwhile, congressional Democrats have released documents allegedly from Epstein’s 50th birthday “greeting book” in which a note signed “Trump” appears — a matter Trump’s legal team disputes. The Washington Post+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3
In June, a different anonymous art installation titled “Dictator Approved” appeared on the National Mall, also critical of Trump and highlighting praise from authoritarian leaders. The Washington Post+2Washingtonian+2
What’s Next
- The National Park Service has not commented in detail beyond the removal rationale. The Washington Post+1
- Legal or administrative challenge by the artist(s) could arise, though their anonymity complicates that.
- The statue will remain a talking point in debates over art, free speech, and accountability in politics.