Statue on National Mall Depicts Trump, Epstein on Sinking Ship

Anonymous art collective installs satirical sculpture referencing the relationship between the former president and convicted sex offender.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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A new 12-foot golden statue installed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. depicts former President Donald Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in a pose reminiscent of the famous "king of the world" scene from the film Titanic. The anonymous art collective known as the Secret Handshake claims responsibility for the installation, which includes plaques and banners comparing the men's social ties to the movie's opulent romance.

Why it matters

The statue is the third such installation by the Secret Handshake on the National Mall, which often hosts protest and political art. The piece aims to draw attention to the relationship between Trump and Epstein, as well as broader concerns about politicians' ties to wealthy and powerful individuals accused of misconduct.

The details

The statue shows Trump standing behind Epstein on a mock ship's prow facing the Washington Monument. Plaques compare the men's social ties to the movie's opulent romance, while nearby banners show photos of the two with the altered slogan "Make America Safe Again" and a partially blacked-out Justice Department seal. The identity of the artists behind the "Jack" and "Rose" statue is not publicly known, and the end date for the display is blacked out on a copy of the permit.

  • The statue was installed on the National Mall on Tuesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who had a well-documented friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender and financier who was closely associated with Donald Trump and other high-profile individuals.

The Secret Handshake

An anonymous art collective that has installed several statues depicting Trump and Epstein on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

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What they’re saying

“A lot can be said with art.”

— Donna Powell (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The White House has criticized the piece as partisan, and it remains to be seen if the installation will face any legal challenges or be removed by authorities.

The takeaway

This statue is a provocative work of political art that aims to draw attention to the relationship between former President Trump and convicted sex offender Epstein, as well as broader concerns about the influence of wealthy and powerful individuals in politics. The installation highlights the role of protest art in sparking important conversations about accountability and ethics in government.