Positioned at a busy intersection connecting two European Parliament buildings, the artwork depicts a naked Trump holding a long golf club, a world-shaped ball, and scales symbolizing justice. He is perched atop the shoulders of a much smaller man who appears strained under the weight. An inscription on the base features a satirical quote attributed to the ‘King of Injustice’, reading: ‘I am sitting on the back of a man. He is sinking under my burden. I will do anything to help him. Except stepping down from his back.’
Political Reactions and Lawmaker Defense
The exhibition has drawn immediate attention and sharp political commentary. MEP Per Clausen defended the decision to host the controversial artwork, stating that political institutions should not censor provocative pieces to appease leaders. ‘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 reported by Metro.
Sculptor Jens Galschiøt framed the installation as a satirical critique of United States foreign and environmental policies, describing Trump as a significant challenge to the rules-based international order and global climate efforts. The imagery draws conceptual inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’, using the naked ruler motif to comment on power dynamics and political influence.
Exhibition Schedule and Global Tour
The artwork’s presence in Strasbourg is brief. According to The Independent, the statue is scheduled to remain on display through Thursday, October 8. The exhibition follows previous displays at the COP30 climate conference in Brazil and the Munich Security Conference.
Organizers also announced plans to distribute 3D-printed miniature replicas of the sculpture to delegates at the upcoming UN COP31 climate conference in Türkiye in November. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has not issued a public response to the Strasbourg exhibition.