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“In a time of unprecedented division,” reads a plaque, “President Trump focused on what truly mattered: remodeling the Lincoln bathroom in the White House.”
A golden toilet appeared on the National Mall on March 30, 2026. (photo Emma Cieslik/Hyperallergic)
WASHINGTON, DC — This morning, March 30, a 10-foot-tall faux marble throne featuring a golden toilet was unveiled on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Titled “A Throne Fit For A King,” the protest artwork includes a grand throne back and armrest adorned with gold finials. Visitors are invited to ascend three semi-circular stairs to sit on the golden commode.
A bronze plaque affixed to the piece reads: “In a time of unprecedented division, escalating conflict, and economic turmoil, President Trump focused on what truly mattered: remodeling the Lincoln bathroom in the White House.”
The controversial bathroom redesign last fall is one of President Trump’s numerous lavish and costly renovations, including the demolition of the East Wing for a $300 million ballroom. Critics have criticized these projects for their poor design and lack of funding transparency.
The anonymous art collective Secret Handshake has claimed responsibility for this satirical sculpture, now located on the west side of the National Mall. Previously, the group created a giant Trump-Epstein birthday card in January and a golden statue representing Epstein and Trump as Titanic lovers in March.
A representative for Secret Handshake informed Hyperallergic that they have a permit allowing the artwork to remain for several days.
“To us, it’s a tribute,” the group said via email. “Many people might feel the country is in a dark place right now. So let’s focus on what this President did best — turning a regular bathroom into a bright, marble and gold Trumpified bathroom. Because that’s something he accomplished and is very proud of.”
Left: A plaque pokes fun at President Trump’s “crowning achievement”; right: A visitor poses on the “Throne Fit for a King.”
A roll of toilet paper, featuring the Secret Handshake logo, hangs from a gold holder on the left armrest, with additional rolls nearby.
When Hyperallergic visited the sculpture at noon today, observers were gathered around, taking photos and posing on the “throne.”
One of the two security guards stationed nearby explained that they were hired by the artists to monitor the artwork until 6 pm. The guard encouraged visitors to sit on the sculpture and take photos, though he advised against lifting the seat, which had become loose earlier.
This installation comes just two days after the third No Kings protest, which saw significant turnouts nationwide, amid growing opposition to Trump’s public art choices.
The golden toilet’s unveiling follows the Trump administration’s installation of a Christopher Columbus statue, a replica of the original thrown into Baltimore’s harbor during 2020 protests. Additionally, eight architectural and arts groups have sued Trump and the Kennedy Center board over a planned two-year closure for renovations.
