The anonymous collective Secret Handshake turns Washington D.C. into a museum of political dissent
Art has always been capable of becoming a form of activism, a vehicle for critique, solidarity, and denunciation across the most varied issues. In recent times, one of the primary targets of this kind of art has been United States President Donald Trump. The anonymous collective known as Secret Handshake has mobilized through a series of sharply satirical and politically charged installations, responding to the Epstein Files scandal and expressing solidarity with the No Kings movement during the recent wave of protests.
Secret Handshake is an anonymous art collective known for their politically charged guerrilla art installations, frequently appearing in prominent public spaces in Washington D.C. Their works often engage with contemporary political figures and societal issues through provocative satire. All the artworks are situated in meaningful locations and accompanied by a plaque that leaves no room for misinterpretation of the message.
US Capitol. Photo Martin Falbisoner, Wikimedia Commons, license CC BY-SA 3.0
KING OF THE WORLD
A sculpture of President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, echoing the iconic Titanic scene, appeared in front of the United States Capitol on March 10th. The gold-painted replica of Trump can be seen standing behind Epstein, arms outstretched, at the bow of a miniature model of the doomed ship.
The artwork carries a clear title: “King of the World” another reference to the famous romantic film. While sharing certain similarities with the iconic Charging Bull by Arturo di Modica, this homoerotic work is a pointed critique that highlights the declared connection between Trump and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein through a pop and ironic lens. A plaque on the statue reads: “The tragic love story between Jack and Rose was built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches. This monument honors the bond between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, a friendship seemingly built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches.”
Additional banners have been placed near the installation, featuring a photograph of Trump and Epstein together and emblazoned with one of the President’s own mantras: “Make America Safe Again.” The Justice Department insignia appears with the word “Justice” redacted.
The Titanic-inspired installation follows another sculpture that appeared on the Mall in September, which depicted Trump and Epstein holding hands alongside a plaque reading: “In honor of friendship month, we celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his ‘closest friend’ Jeffrey Epstein.”
No Kings protests in Washington, D.C. Photo Robert Kennicott, Wikimedia Commons, license CC BY-SA 4.0
A throne fit for a King
Secret Handshake strikes again on March 30th, this time in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. In front of one of the most symbolic landmarks in the United States, a gleaming three-meter-tall golden toilet appeared, fully functional and open to the public, titled “A Throne Fit for a King.”
The obvious and inevitable precedent is Cattelan’s golden toilet titled “America,” which became a symbol of provocative and satirical art and was already linked, in various ways, to the President of the United States. This more recent work also references Trump’s decision to renovate the bathroom adjoining the Lincoln Bedroom in the White House. At Trump’s behest, the bathroom’s Art Deco–style green tiling was switched out for sterile marble, leading to widespread online mockery. Trump said on Truth Social that the gesture was “appropriate for the time of Abraham Lincoln and, in fact, could be the marble that was originally there.”
The artwork translates an architectural choice into a political and artistic symbol. The plaque attached to the work states openly: “President Trump focused on what really mattered: renovating the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom at the White House.”
Equally important is the context in which this installation emerged. It is directly connected to the No Kings protests, a movement born in February 2025 that spread spontaneously across much of the Western world in opposition to Trump’s authoritarian drift. Trump himself responded to last year’s demonstrations with one of his so-called “slop videos,” in which he bombarded No Kings Day protesters with feces. The golden toilet thus returns as a literal response following the most recent demonstration, which drew millions of people.
In the end, what Secret Handshake does best is hold a mirror up to power and let power condemn itself. The golden toilet, the Titanic bow, the redacted seal of justice: none of these require explanation. By placing these works in the shadow of America’s most sacred monuments, the collective transforms the city itself into an unintended gallery, and the president into its most unwilling subject.
*All images on this blog are used for educational and critical purposes only. Credits and copyrights belong to their respective owners and authors. The gallery remains at the disposal of the rightsholders for any corrections, specific citations, or immediate removals upon request.
