Satirical Trump‑Epstein Statue Removed from Mall

On Sept. 23 a 12-foot satirical statue titled 'Best Friends Forever,' showing President Donald Trump holding hands with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was installed on the east end of the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol. The foam-, resin- and wood-built piece, described as faux‑bronze, was surrounded by plaques including one “In Honor of Friendship Month” that quoted an alleged birthday‑book message. Some outlets linked the installation to anonymous artists associated with the pseudonym “The Secret Handshake,” while others reported no claim of responsibility. A permit had been filed to keep the piece through Sept. 28, but U.S. Park Police removed the statue early Wednesday around 5:40 a.m.; officials have not publicly explained the early removal. The White House dismissed the stunt, saying “liberals are free to waste their money,” and Trump has denied authoring the birthday note attributed to him, while the installation renewed calls for release of fuller Epstein‑related files.