Observers were astounded on Monday after a new golden statue mocking President Donald Trump appeared on the National Mall.
The Washington Post reported that a golden toilet seat on a faux marble pedestal was installed on the mall, accompanied by a plaque reading "a Throne Fit for a King." It was built just days after more than 8 million people across the U.S. participated in the nationwide "No Kings" protest.
“In a time of unprecedented division, escalating conflict and economic turmoil, President Trump focused on what really mattered: Remodeling the Lincoln Bathroom in the White House," the plaque reads. "This, his crowning achievement is a bold reminder that the president isn’t just a bussinessman (sic), he’s taking care of business. It stands as a tribute to an unwavering visionary who looked down, saw a problem, and painted it gold.”
One of the creators of the statue told The Post that the "lightheartedness" of the installation could help people get through otherwise "dark" times in America.
"Things are dark right now and feel hopeless in a lot of ways,” the individual told the outlet. “There’s a lightheartedness to this that could be a respite from the darkness. Of course, there’s a lot of imagery around the idea that this guy is king and a supreme ruler that comes from him directly, so the idea of this throne does play into it.”
Other observers described the statue as "amazing."
“I think it’s amazing,” Jeff Cain told The Post. “We’re surrounded by all of these monuments and tributes to people who were critical to the foundation of this country. And this juxtaposes perfectly with our current administration, which is very self-serving.”
Observers shared their reactions on social media.
"Bless whoever did this," historian Rebecca Scales posted on Bluesky.
"I approve," conservative analyst Charlie Sykes posted on X.
"Saddam Baroque," journalist and consultant Brian E. Frydenborg posted on X, referring to the style of the statue.
