A controversial 2.5-meter satirical sculpture portraying US President Donald Trump has been installed at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Created by Danish artist Jens Galschiot, the work is known by two titles: “The Orange Plague” and “King of Injustice.”
The gold-coated figure depicts the American leader seated on the shoulders of a smaller, straining man while holding a long golden club. Galschiot stated that the piece is plated with 23-karat gold.
According to explanatory materials placed beside the artwork, the central figure represents Trump, who the artist argues is impeding global climate action. A card next to the display reads, “I would do anything to help him. Except stepping down from his back,” highlighting the burden placed on humanity by the president’s policies.
Per Clausen, a left-wing member of the Danish delegation to the European Parliament, invited the artist and expressed indifference toward potential backlash from the White House. “If someone is so thin-skinned that they cannot tolerate this sculpture being exhibited in the European Parliament, then they have no place on the world stage,” Clausen said.
As of now, Donald Trump has not issued any comments regarding the installation. The statue, which has previously been exhibited in various European cities and at the COP30 UN climate conference in Belem, Brazil, is scheduled to remain on display at the Strasbourg intersection until Thursday.
23-karat gold for a satire? Seems like the artist wanted to gild the lily quite literally.
Bold statement in the heart of Europe. Free speech isn’t about comfort, it’s about expression.