TL;DR
- The satirical statue “Best Friends Forever,” depicting Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands, has been reinstalled on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. after being removed days earlier.
- Originally erected by the anonymous protest art group The Secret Handshake, the statue was taken down by the National Park Service over permit compliance concerns.
- Upon its return, the statue appeared mostly restored, with its clasped hands rejoined, though traces of earlier damage remain.
- The reinstallation has reignited debates about public art, free speech, and the controversial relationship between Trump and Epstein.
What is the “Best Friends Forever” statue — and who put it up?
“Best Friends Forever” is a provocative 10-foot (or larger) satirical sculpture that shows Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein clasping hands and striking a jaunty pose, each lifting a foot behind them. The base bears a plaque reading: “We celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his ‘closest friend,’ Jeffrey Epstein.”
The artwork was created by an anonymous collective known as The Secret Handshake, which has mounted similar politically charged works targeting Trump and his allies in Washington and other cities. The initial permit was filed by a D.C. location manager, Carol Flaisher, on behalf of the group.
The statue is also documented under its official name in public art records.
Why was it removed — and how was it reinstalled?
Removal
The statue was first erected on September 23, 2025, on the east end of the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol. A permit was granted for it to stay until September 28.
However, at about 5:30 a.m. on September 24, U.S. Park Police removed the statue. Authorities cited noncompliance with the permit as justification for the removal, though critics have said no formal explanation was given in advance. During the removal, parts of the sculpture—including the hands and structural elements—were damaged or broken.
The artists and permit filers contend they were not notified 24 hours in advance, as required by the permit terms, and say the removal amounted to destruction of their property.
Reinstallation
On October 2, 2025, the statue was reported to have been reinstalled at or near its original location on the Mall, nearly intact. The reinstalled version shows the joined hands restored (they were broken previously) and minimal visible damage remaining.
According to emails provided by the group, a new permit was tacitly approved (by default) after 24 hours, giving them legal cover to reinstall. Because of a government shutdown, the Park Service in some cases was unable to act swiftly — giving the reinstallation window.
What’s the reaction — politically and publicly?
The statue’s return has sharpened debate across political and public spheres.
- Art and free speech advocates see the reinstallation as a stand for protest rights and public art engagement. Critics of the earlier removal called it censorship of dissent.
- Supporters and onlookers responded with amusement, shock, or support. Some view it as biting satire; others see it as crass political theater.
- The White House and Trump allies have downplayed the significance, reiterating that Trump’s relationship with Epstein ended long ago, and dismissing the statue as opportunistic commentary.
- The statue also revived public focus on calls for full transparency of documents relating to Epstein and Trump, including the so-called “Epstein files.”
- Media outlets have emphasized the act’s symbolism — comparing the statue’s removal and reinstallation to battles over monuments, memory, and who gets to speak publicly.
