Statue of Trump and Epstein removed from National Mall over permit

A 12 foot statue showing President Donald Trump and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein holding hands and frolicking on twin plinths appeared on the National Mall early Tuesday and was removed by federal park police before dawn Wednesday, officials and the anonymous artist collective that installed it said. The life sized installation, placed near the Washington Monument and accompanied by three plaques that quoted an alleged birthday letter to Epstein, was presented by a small group calling itself The Secret Handshake as a commentary on the pair's past social ties and was intended to remain through the weekend, the group said.

The sculpture, made of foam, resin, wood and wire, depicted Trump and Epstein grinning and stepping with one leg raised. Two of the plaques included excerpts from a note that organizers said the president sent Epstein on his 50th birthday, material that has been the subject of recent congressional disclosure and presidential denials. The anonymous group said the installation honored "Friendship Month" and described the work as political satire meant to spark conversation.

Park officials said the U.S. Park Police removed the piece because it did not comply...