Department of the Interior says NPS removed 'Best Friends Forever' Trump‑Epstein statue for permit noncompliance
On Sept. 23, 2025, a statue titled "Best Friends Forever" depicting Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein was installed on the National Mall and — despite a National Park Service permit reportedly authorizing it to remain through 8 p.m. ET Sunday — was removed before sunrise Wednesday. The Department of the Interior said it was taken down "because it was not compliant with the permit issued," while the installing group, The Secret Handshake Project, says Park Service officials had previously indicated the display was compliant and that they were entitled to 24 hours’ written notice before removal; White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson also issued a statement distancing the president from Epstein.
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"Best Friends Forever" Statue of Trump and Epstein removed from National Mall
New information:
- Department of the Interior spokesperson Elizabeth Peace said the statue was removed 'because it was not compliant with the permit issued.'
- The installation's permit reportedly authorized it to remain until 8 p.m. ET on Sunday.
- The Secret Handshake Project says the Park Service previously indicated the installation was compliant and that it was entitled to 24 hours' written notice before removal; the group disputes the rapid removal.
A statue of Trump and Epstein holding hands in D.C. is removed as fast as it appeared
New information:
- A statue titled 'Best Friends Forever' depicting Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein was installed on the National Mall on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 (appeared Tuesday morning).
- NPR obtained a National Park Service permit that — according to the outlet — allowed the piece to remain through Sunday evening, but U.S. Park Police removed it before sunrise Wednesday.
- Department of the Interior told NPR the statue was removed 'because it was not compliant with the permit issued,' while the installing group, The Secret Handshake, alleges officials removed it without the 24-hour written notice required by the permit; White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson also provided a statement distancing the president from Epstein.