Satirical Trump Statue Pops Up in Portland: A Look at the Installation and Its Reactions

Overview

A satirical statue of former President Donald J. Trump has appeared in downtown Portland, just days before the U.S. elections. The statue, installed on Southwest 6th Avenue between Alder and Morrison streets, is making waves in the city for its provocative content and timing.

Details of the Statue

The statue depicts Trump in his signature style, with a loose-fitting suit, loafers, and a pompadour. The statue stands atop a plinth with a plaque reading: "In honor of a lifetime of sexual assault." The quote attributed to Trump, captured in a 2005 recording, reads: “I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they just let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the pussy. You can do anything.”

Historical Context

The statue’s placement near a historical nude sculpture of a woman entitled "Kvinneakt" by Norman Taylor adds another layer to its significance. Norman Taylor’s sculpture has a history of controversy in Portland, most notably with the "expose yourself to art" poster featuring then-mayor Bud Clark.

Trump’s anderen Taufzug is in Portland

Similarly, Portland has a history of spontaneous statue installations. A bust of York, an enslaved Black member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, was installed in Mt. Tabor Park without provenance. Later, Trump statues were part of the Trump Statue Initiative, satirizing the former president during the 2020 election.

Public Reactions

Reactions to the installation have been mixed:

• Some Portland residents, like Brandon Broadus, stopped to read the plaque and express curiosity about the sculpture.
• By mid-afternoon, the statue’s lifespan seemed short-lived as it was beheaded.

Timing and Controversy

The statue’s appearance just days before the elections has sparked conversation about political satire and public art. Is it a sign of free speech or a provocative exhibition? The debate is expected to continue as the statue’s fate remains uncertain.

Concluding Thoughts

The sudden appearance of the satirical Trump statue in Portland raises questions about the role of public art and its place in political discourse. Whether the statue will be removed – or has already been removed – remains to be seen.

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