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13h ago

Trump–Epstein Protest Statue Returns to National Mall Under New Permit

The repaired installation follows an NPS removal for permit noncompliance, highlighting an unresolved fight over speech on federal land.

The Dome of the US Capitol Building is visible behind a statue depicting President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands, placed on the National Mall on Thursday, in Washington, DC. T
The Secret Handshake said federal officers broke the statue while removing it, which violated a permit with the DOI.
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A statue depicting President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is back on display in front of US Capitol,

Overview

  • The statue was reinstalled Oct. 2 under a temporary First Amendment demonstration permit approved Sept. 30, and it is allowed to remain on display until 8 p.m. Oct. 6.
  • The 12-foot bronze-painted piece, retitled “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” depicts President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands with plaques referencing an alleged birthday note that Trump denies writing.
  • U.S. Park Police removed the original installation on Sept. 24 for permit noncompliance related to its size; the recovered sculpture shows visible damage from the takedown.
  • The Secret Handshake, the anonymous artist collective, alleges an NPS deputy director revoked an earlier permit and told staff to stop issuing permits to the group, a claim not independently confirmed.
  • The White House dismissed the installation and reiterated Trump barred Epstein from his club, as scrutiny over Epstein-related records and congressional demands for disclosures continues.