“King of the World” Protest Installation Targeting Trump and Epstein Appears on the National Mall
Washington, D.C.: A new protest installation titled “King of the World” has appeared on the , drawing public attention and sparking debate over political art and free expression in the United States.
The artwork, created by an anonymous artist collective known as , depicts figures representing and recreating the iconic “I’m the king of the world” pose from the film .
Installed near the area of the National Mall, the sculpture is accompanied by plaques and banners referencing widely reported past social connections between Trump and Epstein. The creators say the installation aims to provoke reflection on political accountability, power, and public memory.
In a statement circulated online, the group Secret Handshake described the piece as “a commentary on how power, celebrity, and wealth can intersect with controversy in modern political culture.” The collective, which operates anonymously, has previously produced politically themed public art installations across the United States.
The appearance of the installation quickly drew attention from tourists, activists, and passersby visiting the National Mall, with many photographing the sculpture and sharing images on social media platforms. Some viewers praised the artwork as a bold form of political expression, while others criticized it as provocative and disrespectful.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether the installation was formally permitted. Temporary protest art occasionally appears on the National Mall, a location historically associated with demonstrations, political gatherings, and symbolic public displays.
The sculpture adds to the long tradition of protest art in Washington, where artists frequently use public spaces to comment on political leaders, social issues, and current events.
As discussions continue online and among visitors, the “King of the World” installation highlights the enduring role of art as a medium for political critique and public debate in the United States.
