Bronze Melania Trump Statue Stolen in Slovenia

A life-sized bronze statue of former First Lady Melania Trump was stolen from near her hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia, after being cut off at the ankles. The statue, created by American artist Brad Downey to replace a previous wooden version destroyed by arson, was reported missing on May 13, and local police have launched an investigation but have not released details on suspects or leads. Downey expressed sadness and speculated about possible links to the U.S. election cycle, though no motive has been confirmed. Both statues had been intended as 'anti-monument, anti-propaganda' works and were anchored with concrete and metal bars. The theft fits a broader pattern of vandalism targeting Trump-themed public art in Slovenia. Melania Trump has reportedly never seen either statue, and Donald Trump has never visited Slovenia during or after his presidency.