Gilded Nude Trump Statue 'Orange Plague' Unveiled at European Parliament

Key points

• The statue, 'The Orange Plague,' is 8.5 feet tall and covered in 23-karat gold leaf.
• It depicts Trump naked, sitting on the back of a smaller figure, holding a golf club and scales of justice.
• The sculpture was unveiled at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Tuesday.
• Danish MEP Per Clausen, from the Red-Green Alliance party, sponsored the exhibit.
• Over 1,000 3D-printed miniatures of the statue are being given out as 'protest tokens.'
• The artist, Jens Galschiøt, stated the work is a 'satirical outcry' against Trump's policies.

Background

This event follows a broader trend of Trump's name being inscribed on prominent landmarks, such as the Kennedy Center and the DC Institute of Peace, which has faced legal challenges. It also coincides with heightened U.S.-Russia tensions over a suspected plague case in Siberia, where Trump has scheduled a call with Vladimir Putin. The 'Orange Plague' title may also be a reference to the recent diplomatic standoff over the pneumonic plague case in Russia, though the primary focus of the statue is on Trump's political and environmental impact.

How outlets are covering it

The Independent and CNN report the statue as a direct critique of Trump's policies, with CNN emphasizing the 'grotesque and gilded vision of American power.' The Daily Beast frames the event as a 'humiliation' for Trump, highlighting the statue's size and gold leaf. The Telegraph's source was inaccessible, so no perspective could be extracted. All sources agree on the basic facts of the statue's unveiling, its creator, and its sponsor, but differ in their tone and emphasis, with CNN and The Independent focusing on the artistic and political message, while The Daily Beast focuses on the perceived embarrassment for Trump.

Why it matters

The unveiling of the 'Orange Plague' statue at the European Parliament highlights the growing tension between the U.S. and the EU, particularly regarding climate and foreign policy. It serves as a public, artistic expression of European discontent with Trump's leadership and his perceived disregard for international norms and environmental protections. The distribution of 'protest tokens' also indicates an effort to engage the public and amplify the message beyond the parliamentary walls.

What to watch

The statue is expected to remain on display until Thursday. The artist, Jens Galschiøt, plans to display the sculpture at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, next month. There is no indication of a formal response from the U.S. government or President Trump, but the exhibit may continue to generate debate and discussion within the European Parliament and among the public.