Updated Sep 24, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Trump and Epstein statue removed from National Mall

Rebecca Falconer

A bronze-painted statue depicting President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is seen near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC., on Tuesday. A plaque below the figures states "In Honor of Friendship Month." — A statue depicting President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is seen in the National Mall, near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC., on Tuesday. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

A statue of President Trump holding Jeffrey Epstein's hand was removed from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., early Wednesday — one day after it was erected.

The big picture: The statue, titled "Best Friends Forever," had a permit to remain in place until 8pm ET on Sunday, but Department of the Interior spokesperson Elizabeth Peace said it was removed "because it was not compliant with the permit issued." She did not elaborate on why it was not in compliance.

What they're saying: The Secret Handshake Project, the anonymous group behind the bronze spray-painted 12-foot statue told Axios that officials were supposed to give 24 hours' written notice if it's revoked by the National Park Service.

"We found out at the end of the day yesterday that some people within the parks department were trying to find ways to say we were not in compliance," the said in an email that shared images and video of the statue's removal.
"We were then told everything is okay and that if the administration decided to remove it we would have 24 hours notice to take it down ourselves."
Representatives for the Interior Department did not immediately respond to Axios' follow-up request for comment on why it was removed so rapidly without notice.

Go deeper: Statue of Trump and Epstein holding hands appears on the National Mall

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from the Secret Handshake Project and further context.

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Trump and Epstein statue removed from National Mall

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