A gigantic statue portraying Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein in a pose reminiscent of Jack and Rose from the 1997 film Titanic appeared on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, March 20, 2026. The installation, titled "KING OF THE WORLD," is the latest creation by the anonymous art collective Secret Handshake, known for its politically charged public artworks. This new sculpture draws direct parallels between the fictional cinematic romance and the controversial past association between the former president and the disgraced financier.
The Enduring Shadow of Jeffrey Epstein’s Connections
The persistent public scrutiny surrounding Donald Trump’s past connections to Jeffrey Epstein continues to fuel political commentary and artistic expression. Epstein, a convicted s offender, died by suicide in prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal s trafficking charges. His extensive network of high-profile associates, including politicians, business leaders, and celebrities, has been a subject of intense public interest and ongoing investigations. Trump, who had publicly associated with Epstein in the past, has repeatedly sought to distance himself from the financier following the revelations of Epstein’s crimes, claiming he was never "friendly" with him. However, their documented interactions and shared social circles have remained a recurring point of contention and public discussion.
The art collective Secret Handshake has previously targeted Trump with similar installations, using public spaces in Washington, D.C., to amplify messages related to his controversies. Their work typically employs large-scale, often provocative, imagery and text to critique political figures and societal issues. These installations frequently spark considerable public attention, serving as temporary, yet impactful, sites of protest and satirical commentary within the nation’s capital.
"KING OF THE WORLD": A Satirical Installation
The "KING OF THE WORLD" statue positioned on the National Mall on March 20, 2026, depicted Trump and Epstein mimicking the iconic scene from Titanic. In the film, Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jack, holds Kate Winslet’s character, Rose, with her arms outstretched as he famously declares, "I’m the king of the world!" from the bow of the ship. The satirical sculpture recreates this moment, placing Trump and Epstein in the roles of the ill-fated lovers, a deliberate choice by the artists to highlight what they perceive as a relationship built on opulence and secrecy.
Accompanying the statue were plaques providing explicit commentary on the artistic intent. One plaque read: "The tragic love story between Jack and Rose was built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches. This monument honors the bond between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, a friendship seemingly built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches." This statement directly links the fictional narrative’s themes of privilege and hidden desires to the alleged nature of the relationship between Trump and Epstein, particularly referencing aspects of Epstein’s known activities.
In addition to the central sculpture, ten banners were hung in the vicinity of the statue. Secret Handshake released a statement to CBS News affiliate WUSA9, explaining the banners’ purpose: "Why? Because 2026 has been a banner year for President Trump. Meaning… he’s added giant banners of his face to federal buildings all across DC. We want to help him on his mission by tossing a few of our own in the mix." This statement underscores the group’s intent to mock Trump’s perceived self-aggrandizement and his use of public imagery, co-opting his tactics for their own critical message. The installation is slated to remain on display until Friday, March 13, 2026, indicating a temporary but impactful presence on a prominent national landmark.
Public Art as Political Commentary
The appearance of the "KING OF THE WORLD" statue on the National Mall highlights the significant role of public art as a medium for political commentary and protest in American society. Washington, D.C., with its numerous monuments and symbolic spaces, frequently becomes a canvas for artists and activists seeking to engage with current events and challenge powerful figures. Such installations, though often temporary and unsanctioned, are designed to provoke thought, generate media attention, and influence public discourse. By juxtaposing well-known cultural references, like the Titanic film, with controversial political figures, Secret Handshake leverages shared cultural understanding to deliver a pointed message about perceived hypocrisy, past associations, and accountability.
The choice of the Titanic metaphor is particularly potent. The ship, a symbol of immense wealth, grandeur, and ultimately, catastrophic failure, provides a framework for the artists to comment on the perceived trajectory and nature of the Trump-Epstein relationship. The "king of the world" declaration, initially an expression of boundless freedom and triumph, is recontextualized into a cynical statement, suggesting an underlying hubris that the artists believe characterized their association. This form of satirical art aims to create a memorable and visually striking image that encapsulates complex political narratives for a broad audience.
Previous Public Art Installations Targeting Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein
This is not the first instance where Secret Handshake has used satirical statues to draw attention to Donald Trump’s connection with Jeffrey Epstein. In September 2025, the group unveiled a towering 12-foot statue across from the Capitol building, depicting Trump holding hands with Epstein. This earlier installation was equally provocative, aiming to solidify the public’s memory of their association despite Trump’s denials.
That statue featured three plaques that further elaborated on its purpose. The primary plaque stated: "In honor of Friendship Month we celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his ‘closest friend’ Jeffrey Epstein." The subsequent two plaques contained quotes from an alleged birthday card sent to Epstein by Trump in 2003, when Epstein turned 50. This alleged birthday card, along with other related documents, had been released by the House Oversight Committee earlier that same month after it subpoenaed Epstein’s estate, adding an official layer of context to the artists’ commentary.
One of the messages purportedly included in the birthday card read: "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret." The public display of this quote on a large statue served to underscore the artists’ assertion of a deeper, more intimate connection between Trump and Epstein than the former president has publicly acknowledged. The use of such direct, documented evidence in their art installations highlights Secret Handshake’s commitment to grounding their satire in publicly available, albeit controversial, information.
Controversy Surrounding Donald Trump’s Association with Jeffrey Epstein
The ongoing controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s history with Jeffrey Epstein stems from the public’s demand for transparency and accountability regarding Epstein’s extensive network and crimes. Despite Trump’s insistence that he was "exonerated" by the release of documents related to Epstein, the files have consistently fueled questions and speculation. The House Oversight Committee’s subpoena and subsequent release of documents, including the alleged birthday card, have provided tangible, if disputed, insights into the interactions between the two men.
Furthermore, the Trump administration has faced intense scrutiny regarding the handling of files related to Epstein and his crimes. Specific accusations have been leveled against individuals like Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was accused of suppressing sexual assault accusations made against the president when a trove of documents was released in recent months. These allegations contribute to a broader narrative of distrust and a perceived lack of full disclosure surrounding the Epstein saga and its connections to powerful figures. The persistent public interest and the continuous emergence of new information or artistic interpretations, such as the "KING OF THE WORLD" statue, ensure that the shadow of Jeffrey Epstein’s past connections continues to influence political discourse and public perception, particularly as Donald Trump remains a prominent figure in American politics.
