Photo: The Washington Post via Getty Images
The Washington Post was the first to report on the appearance of this unusual sculpture. Later, the creators of the installation confirmed to TIME magazine that it was part of a satirical project and would remain on the National Mall for only a few days.
The monument is located near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Because of its appearance, many passersby initially mistook it for an official monument. The sculpture is a giant golden trophy bearing the number “No. 1” and the word “Participant” at its base.
The central element of the composition is a plaque bearing a satirical message stating that the president is being awarded a “consolation prize” for his participation in the war with Iran. The artists are pointing out ironically that while others are focused on military strategy, diplomacy, and tangible results, Trump deserves recognition “simply for participating.” Next to it is an invitation for visitors to leave their own symbolic “trophies” as part of an interactive project.
Representatives of Secret Handshake stated that the installation is intended as a satirical action designed to draw attention to the consequences of the escalation surrounding Iran. Previously, the same group had installed other satirical installations in Washington, D.C., dedicated to Donald Trump.
The White House sharply criticized the appearance of the sculpture. Administration press secretary Anna Kelly called the creators “talentless artists,” stating that they should focus on art rather than commenting on foreign policy issues. According to her, the U.S. military “achieved all of its objectives” during the operation against Iran.
The installation appeared amid ongoing political debates in the U.S. over the administration’s policy toward Iran and the president’s authority to use military force without separate congressional approval.
