A provocative art installation in Washington, DC has drawn widespread attention for depicting figures resembling Donald Trump and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Created by an anonymous artist collective called Secret Handshake, the piece recreates the famous "Titanic pose," referencing the iconic scene from the film Titanic where the characters stand at the bow of the ship.
The sculpture appeared earlier this week without prior notice, at a time when Trump is again facing scrutiny over his past association with Epstein, the late financier accused of running a child sex-trafficking network.
Spray-painted in gold, the installation shows Trump standing behind Epstein on a replica ship bow, both facing the Washington Monument in a dramatic stance similar to the film scene. The nearly 12-foot-tall artwork is titled "King of the World," echoing the well-known line from the movie.
According to The Washington Post, plaques placed at the base of the sculpture carry a pointed message. One reads: "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."
Ten banners have also been installed between the statue and the United States Capitol. Each features photographs of Trump and Epstein together along with the phrase "Make America Safe Again." The banners also display the seal of the United States Department of Justice, though the word "Justice" has been partially redacted.
A new art installation by the anonymous artist collective Secret Handshake appeared this week on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., depicting figures representing President Donald Trump and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. pic.twitter.com/8vvZ2TX9PV
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 11, 2026
Videos of the installation quickly spread across social media, prompting a range of reactions. Some users described the artwork as a reflection of political tensions, while others noted that anonymous collectives such as Secret Handshake often use provocative imagery to spark public debate rather than stage formal exhibitions.
Trump had known Epstein socially for years before their relationship reportedly ended in the mid-2000s. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial. Trump has repeatedly said he was unaware of Epstein's alleged criminal activities.
The statue stands on Third Street NW between Jefferson and Madison Drives and is the third installation placed in the area by the same group depicting Trump and Epstein. In January, the artists installed a large replica of a birthday note and drawing signed with the typed name "Donald Trump" and a "Donald" signature, originally featured in a 2003 birthday book for Epstein. Trump has denied writing the message and said the signature does not belong to him.
The artwork follows several similar displays in the US capital. Last week, an installation titled "Jeffrey Epstein Walk of Shame" appeared in Farragut Square, modelled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame and featuring the names of politicians, billionaires and other public figures linked to Epstein. In September, another sculpture called "Best Friends Forever"—showing Trump and Epstein holding hands—was placed on the National Mall and was also attributed to the Secret Handshake collective.
