WASHINGTON, DC — A new public art piece highlighting the connection between President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein has emerged on the National Mall. The 10-foot-tall installation, which appeared on Sunday, January 18, opposite the United States Capitol, features a birthday card signed by Trump with a message to the convicted sex offender. One side of the card states, “Happy Birthday To A ‘Terrific Guy!,’” while the reverse replicates a sketch of a woman’s body, allegedly drawn by Trump for Epstein’s 50th birthday book, compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell. Trump has denied these claims, despite the release of the letter and drawing by House Democrats in September.
Accompanying the card is a sculpture made of stacked boxes and paper shreds, symbolizing the redacted documents released by the Department of Justice in December. Visitors are provided with Sharpie markers to leave messages on the card, with a plaque urging them to “sign the birthday card with your own message to the administration” and to “celebrate the birthday of President Donald Trump’s ‘closest friend,’ Jeffrey Epstein.” When Hyperallergic visited the installation on Tuesday, it was lying nearly flat, and about a dozen people were adding their notes, many of which criticized Trump and his government.
The anonymous group Secret Handshake, known for past works like the “Best Friend” statue and the “Dictator Approved” sculpture, has claimed responsibility for this piece. According to a representative who wished to remain unnamed, the group is a small coalition seeking to address global issues through satirical art. They initially planned the card installation months ago, awaiting the full release of Epstein files as legally required by the administration. When this did not occur, they proceeded to unveil the artwork on the anniversary of Trump’s second term and Epstein’s birthday.
The piece is the group’s first interactive artwork, designed to engage the public much like a workplace birthday card. While they encourage open expression, Secret Handshake has painted over some offensive remarks and asks visitors to refrain from writing violent messages. The installation has a permit from the National Parks Service (NPS) to remain at its location until Friday, January 23. Hyperallergic has contacted NPS for comments on the artwork.
Secret Handshake’s representative emphasized the importance of protest art in challenging authoritarianism, noting that DC offers a unique environment for such expressions. They concluded that protest art offers an outlet for expression and a voice during difficult times, stating, “I think there’s value in bringing levity and satire to darkness.”
