A provocative statue featuring former President Donald Trump and the deceased convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was unveiled on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on 10 March 2026. The sculpture, titled “King of the World,” depicts the two men in an interpretation inspired by the iconic film *Titanic*, where they take on the roles of Rose and Jack, portrayed by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, respectively.
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The artwork portrays the duo in a manner reminiscent of the film’s memorable moment at the bow of the ill-fated ship, where DiCaprio’s character famously declares, “I’m the king of the world!” This new installation serves not only as a nod to the film but also brings attention to the controversial friendship between Trump and Epstein, suggesting parallels between their lavish lifestyles and tumultuous narratives filled with scandal.
Flanking the statue are inscriptions that draw attention to this controversial friendship. Each side bears a plaque reading: “The tragic love story between Jack and Rose was built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches. This monument honours the bond between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.” The artists behind this installation, known as Secret Handshake, have also placed ten banners nearby to further highlight the controversial relationship.
Secret Handshake made their intentions clear to local news outlet WUSA9, stating, “Why? Because 2026 has been a banner year for President Trump.” The group noted that their installation was designed to accompany the numerous large banners featuring Trump’s likeness that adorn federal buildings across Washington, D.C. “We want to help him on his mission by tossing a few of our own in the mix,” they added.
The statue is set to remain in place until 13 March, but it is not the first artwork from Secret Handshake to provoke public discourse. In September of the previous year, they erected a statue depicting Trump and Epstein in a playful manner—holding hands and appearing to dance, alongside a plaque that celebrated their friendship in observance of “Friendship Month.” That installation was removed shortly after it was put up by U.S. Park Police, highlighting the contentious nature of the subject matter and the strong reactions it provoked.
Earlier in 2026, the organisation also showcased a ten-foot-high replica of a controversial birthday card that Trump allegedly sent to Epstein, which gained attention in July 2025 when it was reported by *The Wall Street Journal*. The card featured a graphic image and was described as being deeply personal, igniting further debate around their relationship.
Following the news surrounding the card, Trump vehemently denied any connection to its contents, publicly labelling the claims as “fake” and distancing himself from the imagery. He argued that he had never sent such a message and instead filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the publication and its owners, claiming the accusations harmed his reputation. As of now, a motion to dismiss his case remains pending in federal court.
The presence of “King of the World” on the National Mall raises both eyebrows and questions about the interpretation of political history and public figures. With statues serving as focal points for conversation, this particular piece adds another layer to ongoing discussions regarding the legacies of contentious individuals and their relationships.
As the statue captures public attention, reactions vary widely among locals and tourists alike. Some view it as an artistic expression that critiques political power dynamics, while others see it as a trivialisation of serious allegations surrounding Epstein and the implications of his associations.
In a city where monuments often spark debate and serve as reminders of the complexities of history, the new statue showcases the intersections of art, politics, and public sentiment, encouraging spectators to reflect on the narratives surrounding influential figures in contemporary society. As the installation remains on display for a limited time, it is certain to continue igniting discussions across various platforms leading up to its removal.