The infamous statue depicting President Donald Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein skipping together while holding hands has been reinstalled at the National Mall. The controversial piece, originally unveiled on September 23 in front of the US Capitol, was briefly removed by the National Park Service (NPS) the following day, CNN reports.
Created by the group ‘The Secret Handshake’, the statue was inspired by rumors of a past friendship between Trump and Epstein. The artwork, initially titled ‘Best Friends Forever’, has now been renamed ‘Why Can’t We Be Friends?’ despite having sustained some damage during its removal.
Permit Issues and Statue Details
The Department of the Interior, which oversees NPS, stated the removal was necessary because the installation “was not compliant with the permit issued.” However, according to The Secret Handshake, the permit was renewed on September 30, allowing the statue to return.
A plaque between the figures carries the headline ‘In Honor of Friendship Month’, with the text reading: “We celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his ‘closest friend,’ Jeffrey Epstein.”
Alleged Links Between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffrey Epstein, convicted sex offender, was known to associate with several prominent figures in politics, entertainment, and business. The nature of his relationship with Donald Trump remains debated.
Trump’s representatives have denied a close friendship with Epstein. NPR reports that, according to Trump, the two had drifted apart before Epstein’s 2006 indictment for soliciting prostitution. Trump claims the relationship soured after Epstein allegedly poached employees, particularly women working at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago spa.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told NPR: “It’s not news that Epstein knew Donald Trump, because Donald Trump kicked Epstein out of his club for being a creep.”
Statue Display Duration
The statue is permitted to remain on the National Mall until 8 PM on October 6, continuing to draw attention and sparking discussions about the controversial history of its subjects.
