White House upset over statue mocking Trump’s parade

A new statue on the National Mall has sparked anger from the White House. Called “Dictator Approved,” the 8-foot-tall artwork shows a gold-colored hand giving a thumbs-up while crushing the Statue of Liberty’s crown. It was set up to protest President Donald Trump’s military parade for his birthday. The statue also displays quotes from authoritarian leaders praising Trump, adding to the controversy.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson called the sculpture “ugly” and an “eyesore.” In a statement to The Washington Post, she said, “If these Democratic activists lived in a dictatorship, they wouldn’t be allowed to show this kind of art on the National Mall. In America, you’re free to display your so-called ‘art,’ no matter how bad it looks.” The statue’s bold design is similar to other protest art pieces seen on the Mall in fall 2024.

It aims to criticize Trump’s leadership style, drawing attention with its striking imagery and strong message. While the White House defends free expression, it dislikes the artwork’s message and appearance. The statue has stirred debate, with some seeing it as a powerful statement against Trump, while others agree with the White House, calling it offensive. No one knows who created the piece, adding mystery to the protest. For now, it stands as a bold symbol of free speech and political critique in Washington, D.C.