A golden statue depicting a fully nude Donald Trump was unveiled this week at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, drawing international media attention during the plenary sessions.
The artwork, titled "The Orange Plague" and also known as "King of Injustice," is the creation of Danish sculptor Jens Galschiøt, renowned for his politically charged and socially critical pieces. The statue was on display at the European Parliament until October 8th.
Standing nearly 8 feet tall, the sculpture is made of copper and covered in 23-carat gold leaf. Trump is portrayed seated on the shoulders of a smaller, thinner man who seems to struggle under his weight.
Trump's eyes are closed, and he holds a scale, symbolizing justice, while leaning on a lengthy golf club. Additionally, the composition features a small globe resembling a golf ball, adding layers of political and environmental symbolism.
The artist explained that the figure bearing Trump's weight could symbolize the European Union in relation to global superpowers, candidly stating his motive for the piece.
"I personally believe that Trump is a problem for the world because he is dismantling the way we think in the West," he remarked.
At the statue's base, a central message reads: "I am sitting on a man's back. He is sinking under my weight. I will do everything I can to help him except getting off his back."
The piece is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Emperor's New Clothes," where a ruler boasts of non-existent garments until a child reveals his nudity.
The installation in Strasbourg was facilitated by Danish Member of the European Parliament Per Clausen from the Left Group, who invited the artist to showcase it as part of the cultural agenda.
"Anyone who cannot tolerate such a sculpture should not have a role on the international stage," Clausen stated.
The exhibition does not represent an official institutional declaration of the entire European Parliament but is rather an individual initiative by the Danish MEP.
This is not the first time the sculpture has been displayed at high-profile venues. It debuted at the COP30 UN Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025, and was also shown at the Munich Security Conference in February 2026.
Galschiøt is no stranger to politically provocative art. His most famous work, "The Pillar of Shame," was exhibited in Hong Kong in 1997 to commemorate the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
This is also not the first satirical Trump sculpture to appear in public spaces. In July 2025, French artist James Colomina installed an unauthorized red figure of Trump emerging from a manhole in Manhattan, which authorities soon removed.
Following its display in Strasbourg, Galschiøt plans to take "The Orange Plague" to COP31, the upcoming UN Climate Summit scheduled for November 2026 in Antalya, Turkey.
Understanding the Symbolism of "The Orange Plague"
What does the sculpture of Trump symbolize?
The sculpture symbolizes the perceived negative impact of Trump's policies and actions on global politics, represented by Trump sitting on the shoulders of a smaller man, symbolizing the burden on the European Union.
Who is the artist behind "The Orange Plague"?
The artist is Jens Galschiøt, a Danish sculptor known for his works that address political and social issues.
Where has the sculpture been displayed?
The sculpture has been showcased at several high-profile events, including the COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil and the Munich Security Conference.