Trump-Epstein statue returns to the National Mall [View all]

Source: WUSA-TV Washington, D.C.




Published: 3:12 PM EDT October 2, 2025
Updated: 3:41 PM EDT October 2, 2025


WASHINGTON — A statue that grabbed the attention of Washingtonians and tourists alike was back on full display on the National Mall Thursday, after being removed one week ago.

Colloquially referred to as the "Trump-Epstein friendship statue," the installation depicted the president, Donald Trump, and the late disgraced financier and sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, holding hands and skipping. The creators of the project, who are part of the group "Secret Handshake," said it was removed from the Mall on Sept. 24 by U.S. Park Police and the National Park Service, one day after it had gone up. The original permit said it was allowed to remain on the Mall until 8 p.m. Sept. 28, however, it included a clause that the permit could be revoked at any time as long as the permittee was notified of the reason at least 24 hours in advance.

Members of the "Secret Handshake" said they retrieved the statue, which had been broken, on Sept. 25 and spent hours putting it back together. With a new permit issued, they were hoping to get it back on the National Mall immediately, but said they hit a few roadblocks. "We were told this permit was approved many times, but had not received it in person yet," one member who asked to speak anonymously explained.

"All of a sudden, everything changed. We were informed that the Deputy Director of the National Park Service had stepped in and overridden our approved permit to revoke it once again. No explanation was given as to why. We were also told the Deputy Director said to never issue us a permit ever again." WUSA9 was told the statue was back on the Mall as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday. We have reached out to NPS for comment, but have not yet heard back.

Read more: https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/trump-epstein-friendship-statue-back-national-mall/65-835f2613-1b56-47d1-b05a-facc64218d94