A striking new public artwork has emerged on the National Mall in Washington, DC, shedding light on President Donald Trump’s controversial connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The installation, standing at 10 feet tall, features a larger-than-life replica of a birthday card supposedly from Trump to Epstein. The card includes a message that reads “Happy Birthday To A ‘Terrific Guy!’” on one side and a sketch of a woman’s body that Trump allegedly gifted Epstein on the other side.
Accompanying the card is a sculpture of stacked boxes and shredded paper, symbolizing the heavily redacted files released by the Department of Justice in December. Visitors are invited to sign the birthday card with their own messages to the administration, adding their voices to the conversation surrounding Trump and Epstein’s relationship.
The artwork, created by an anonymous group called Secret Handshake, aims to provoke thought and spark dialogue about the current state of the world. The group, known for previous provocative installations, chose to unveil this piece on the first anniversary of Trump’s second presidential term and Epstein’s birthday.
While the installation encourages public participation by providing Sharpie markers for visitors to write messages on the card, the group emphasizes the importance of respectful discourse. Offensive comments are promptly painted over, and a plaque next to the card explicitly asks people not to write anything violent.
Secret Handshake’s protest artwork has received a permit from the National Parks Service to remain on the National Mall until Friday, January 23. The group sees protest art as a powerful tool for resistance and expression in challenging times. By bringing levity and satire to dark subjects, they hope to provide a release and a voice for those seeking to make a statement.
As visitors flock to the National Mall to engage with the artwork, the conversation surrounding Trump, Epstein, and the political landscape continues to evolve. The installation serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to provoke thought, spark discussion, and challenge the status quo.
