"Best Friends Forever": Statue Of Trump, Epstein Holding Hands Appears In DC

A 12-foot bronze statue depicting former US President Donald Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein holding hands has been installed on the National Mall in Washington, DC, purportedly to celebrate Friendship Month.

The installation, titled "Best Friends Forever," was created by an anonymous collective known as The Secret Handshake and will remain on public display until September 28, operating under a permit issued by the National Park Service.

Constructed from foam, resin, wood, and wire, the statue portrays Trump and Epstein in a friendly pose - holding hands with one leg raised, smiling at each other. The artwork was positioned facing the Washington Monument across from the US Capitol on 3rd Street between Madison and Jefferson.

A plaque attached to the base states: "In honor of Friendship Month, we celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his 'closest friend' Jeffrey Epstein."

Another plaque references a purported birthday letter Trump allegedly wrote to Epstein in 2003, reading: "Yes, there is. But I won't tell you what it is. We have certain things in common, Jeffrey. Enigmas never age, have you noticed that? A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret."

The former president had previously described Epstein as a "terrific guy" in 2002, noting they had been close friends for over a decade.

Trump has claimed the letter, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, is fraudulent and that the signature is not his. He filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the publication and its owner, Rupert Murdoch, in July.

The White House criticized the Trump-Epstein statue. A spokesperson told The Independent that while individuals are free to spend their money as they choose, the statue doesn't constitute significant news.

"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," the White House spokesperson stated.

According to the Guardian, artists have previously used the National Mall for provocative Trump-related sculptures. These included a bronze pile of excrement placed on a congressional desk, installed to mock January 6 protestors, and another piece called "Dictator Approved" featuring a golden thumbs-up crushing the Statue of Liberty's crown.