A 2.5-meter-tall statue of US President Donald Trump, designed by Danish artist Jens Galschiet, has been unveiled at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. The statue, titled "The Orange Plague" or "King of Injustice," depicts Trump as an obese, naked figure holding a long golf club and sitting on the shoulders of a shorter man. The artwork is made of 23-carat gold leaf and is intended as a satirical critique of Trump's policies, particularly his stance on climate change and the green transition.
The statue was invited by European Parliament politician Birgit Clawsen, who stated that it represents a mocking protest against what he described as the "American attack on the rule-based global order and climate change." Clawsen emphasized that those who cannot tolerate this kind of satirical criticism have no place on the international stage. The statue has been displayed in several European cities and at the COP30 climate conference in Brazil.
The statue's display at the European Parliament has sparked controversy, with some questioning the potential reaction from the US government. However, Clawsen asserted that the artwork is a legitimate form of artistic expression and not intended to offend. The statue's base features a plaque with a quote from Trump, which reads: "I'm sitting on the back of a guy who's struggling under my weight, and I'll do anything to help him – except get off his back."
The statue is part of a larger collection of artworks by Galschiet, which have been exhibited in various European cities. The artist's use of gold leaf and satire is intended to draw attention to the perceived injustices and excesses of Trump's presidency. The statue's display at the European Parliament is seen as a bold move, given the institution's commitment to free speech and artistic expression.
The reaction to the statue from the US government has not been officially reported, but it is likely to be seen as a provocative gesture by the European Parliament. Trump's policies on climate change and the environment have been a point of contention between the US and Europe, and the statue's display is likely to be viewed as a criticism of those policies.
The statue will be moved to the COP31 climate conference in Turkey, where it will continue to be displayed as part of a larger exhibition of artworks addressing climate change. Galschiet's use of satire and gold leaf is intended to draw attention to the urgent need for action on climate change and the role that governments and institutions can play in addressing this issue.
The display of the statue at the European Parliament has sparked a wider debate about the role of art in politics and the limits of free speech. While some have criticized the statue as an attack on Trump and the US, others see it as a legitimate form of artistic expression and a commentary on the need for greater accountability in government.
Key points
- The statue is a satirical critique of Trump's policies, particularly his stance on climate change and the green transition.
- The statue's display at the European Parliament is seen as a bold move, given the institution's commitment to free speech and artistic expression.
- The statue will be moved to the COP31 climate conference in Turkey, where it will continue to be displayed as part of a larger exhibition of artworks addressing climate change.
