“Neo-Nazi Tiki Torch Display in Tribute to Trump Appears in Washington, DC”
# A Sculpture Sparks Controversy in Washington, D.C.’s Freedom Plaza
In the heart of Washington, D.C., Freedom Plaza recently became the stage for a politically charged art installation that has garnered significant public attention. A statue of a hand gripping a tiki torch appeared on October 28, drawing reactions ranging from intrigue and bewilderment to outrage. The imposing sculpture, titled *The Donald J. Trump Enduring Flame,* stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing cultural and political tensions that continue to divide the nation.
### The Sculpture’s Appearance and Context
The eight-foot-tall (~2.4 meters) structure emerged on the heels of another provocative installation unveiled just days before—a sculpture of a massive turd, humorously placed on a replica of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s desk on the National Mall. These art pieces, though playful on the surface, are indicative of deeper resentments and unresolved conflicts within the American cultural and political landscape.
The tiki torch sculpture features a plaque with satirical and incendiary wording, claiming to pay tribute to former President Donald Trump “and the ‘very fine people’ he boldly stood to defend” during the infamous 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The plaque’s language mirrors Trump’s widely condemned remarks following that rally, where white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and other far-right groups marched with lit tiki torches. At that time, Trump declared that there were “very fine people on both sides,” a statement that provoked national outrage and deeply fractured public opinion.
### Political and Social Overtones
The choice of a tiki torch is particularly symbolic. During the Charlottesville rally, tiki torches were used by marchers as an ominous representation of racial hatred and White supremacist ideologies. The torches quickly became emblematic of the event, which eventually led to the death of counter-protester Heather Heyer, who was struck by a vehicle driven by one of the alt-right demonstrators.
Alongside the tiki torch figure stands a plaque emphasizing Trump’s defense of the far-right participants. The language of the plaque mimics Trump’s original statements, offering sharp commentary on the racial and social divides that the former president’s words and actions have, at times, inflamed.
### Permit Information and Artist Behind the Installation
The National Park Service granted the necessary permits for both the tiki torch installation and the earlier Pelosi desk/turd sculpture. Julia Jimenez, a name associated with the company Civic Crafting LLC, filed the permit for these works. These sculptures were allowed to be showcased as part of what seems to be a larger artistic commentary on political culture and leadership.
In a statement provided to *Hyperallergic*, Mike Litterst, spokesperson for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, noted that the National Park Service (NPS) permit guidelines do not assess the message conveyed by the artworks. The permits exist solely to “ensure public safety” and the protection of park property, regardless of the content displayed.
However, the presence of such deeply charged symbols in a significant public space has unsurprisingly sparked a debate about the role of political art in public forums, and how satire and irony can be used as vehicles for criticism or awareness.
### Artistic Intent or Political Stunt?
Though understanding the full intent behind these works may require deeper insight into the artist’s motivations, the timing of their appearance and their politically charged themes are undoubtedly meant to provoke a response. Satirical as they may be, art holds the power to evoke emotion and reflection on society’s current state, as evidenced by these installations confronting public memory and political discourse.
But is this art simply provocative, or does it serve a larger purpose? According to statements obtained from the National Park Service, both installations are under constant surveillance, indicating their societal relevance and the potential threat they pose in inciting conflict or protest. Nevertheless, they are protected under the rights of expression and have been allowed to remain in the Plaza until October 31 — a poignant date given the symbolic associations with Halloween and the idea of confronting national “monsters.”
### The Role of Art in Political Discourse
Public art has long played a role in shaping political dialogues, drawing attention to societal issues, and enabling platforms for voices that may not otherwise be heard. Throughout history, artists such as Ai Weiwei, Banksy, and Shepard Fairey have used their work to critique power structures or highlight the consequences of political actions. In the case of this sculpture, its satirical nature adds layers of complexity to the modern relationship between politics, race, and art. The tiki torch, while simple in form, evokes a specific moment in American history that many view as a low point in the nation’s racial relations.
This kind of symbolism is not without its risks. Political art, particularly in a public, government-managed space like Freedom Plaza, invites scrutiny and ignites discussion, both of which are fundamental to a functioning democracy. However, it also walks a tightrope between free expression and potential public backlash