A controversial statue depicting Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands, titled 'Best Friends Forever,' has been reinstalled on the National Mall by 'The Secret Handshake' after its removal last week for permit non-compliance, despite suffering damage.
The 'Best Friends Forever' statue, portraying President Donald Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein holding hands, has reappeared on the National Mall. It was reinstalled by 'The Secret Handshake,' the group responsible for its creation, after being removed by the National Park Service (NPS) last week due to permit non-compliance. The sculpture, which includes a plaque celebrating their 'long-lasting bond,' was reassembled despite visible damage from its previous removal. Trump has denied a close relationship with Epstein, calling related controversies a 'Democratic hoax.' The permit for the statue's return was approved before the federal government shutdown, which the group was told would not impede installation. 'The Secret Handshake' is known for other viral, politically charged installations on the National Mall, such as 'The Resolute Desk' (alluding to the Jan 6 insurrection), 'The Donald J. Trump Enduring Flame' (mocking Trump's defense of white supremacists), and 'Dictator Approved' (depicting a hand crushing the Statue of Liberty's crown).
