The installation refers to the famous scene from the film “Titanic”. The sculpture depicts a gilded figure of Trump standing behind Epstein with his arms outstretched on the bow of a miniature model of the airliner, an allusion to the famous Jack and Rose scene from the film.
According to media reports, the installation was installed by the anonymous art collective Secret Handshake. The work is called The King of the World, which is a reference to the phrase of the main character of the film, played by actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
A plaque underneath the sculpture states that it is a satirical “celebration of the connection” between Trump and Epstein, particularly through “lavish travel, high-profile parties and secret nude sketches.”
Banners with a photograph of Trump and Epstein and the words “Make America Safe Again” were placed next to the installation. On the emblem of the US Department of Justice, the word Justice is crossed out.
Photo: EPA
Photo: EPA
Photo: EPA
The National Mall is often the site of protests and temporary art installations, so visitors have already begun taking photos of the new sculpture.
The White House reacted critically. Deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson advised “wealthy donors” to the Democratic Party to create sculptures of Democrats who she said continued to “beg for money” from Epstein after his conviction.
Time recalled that this is not the first such installation. Last September, a statue of Trump and Epstein holding hands appeared on the National Mall. It was removed by the US National Park Service after criticism from the White House, but was later installed for a short time near the US Capitol.
Context
Epstein is an American billionaire known for his connections with politicians and royalty, including the 42nd President of the United States. Bill Clinton, Trump and Prince Andrew. In 2019, he committed suicide in a New York City jail cell while awaiting trial on human trafficking charges.
The Palm Beach Daily News detailed that Epstein first came to the attention of law enforcement in 2005 for molesting children in Florida. Investigators estimate he started this back in 1994. In 2008, he was convicted of inciting prostitution of a minor. In 2019, he was arrested a second time, accused of human trafficking and sexual abuse of minors.
The so-called Epstein files, in which Trump is mentioned, are now being actively discussed in the United States, but, according to the president, the materials do not contain information that could harm him.
On November 20, 2025, Trump signed a bill to release the files of the convicted Epstein.
On January 30, 2026, the US Department of Justice published a new batch of investigation materials related to Epstein. Among the new files are allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Trump. As the department noted, the materials may include documents containing false and sensational accusations against Trump, submitted to the FBI immediately before the 2020 elections.
