In a surprising and controversial move, a 43-foot-tall statue of former President Donald Trump was unveiled just outside Las Vegas ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris’ scheduled rally in Nevada on Sunday, September 29. The towering statue, which depicts Trump in the nude, has sparked significant buzz both online and among commuters.
The Statue: “Crooked and Obscene”
The statue, titled “Crooked and Obscene,” is said to reference both Trump’s controversial political career and the provocative nature of the installation itself. The massive foam structure, weighing around 6,000 lbs, was positioned along Interstate 15 on the way to Utah, where it stands out as a head-turning spectacle. Sources told TMZ that the statue is meant to provoke conversation in the lead-up to the upcoming November elections.
Reminiscent of previous naked Trump statues that appeared during his 2016 presidential bid, this latest installment is significantly larger. The Trump figure is presented as a marionette, symbolically reflecting political puppet imagery. The piece, installed Friday evening, is expected to remain in place indefinitely, with no set expiration date for its display.
Social Media Reactions
The statue quickly went viral as images of the larger-than-life Trump model hit social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter). Many users were taken aback by the provocative nature of the display. One user quipped, “Who thought this was a good idea? I can’t imagine driving by that every day lol.” Another expressed their humor by stating, “I’m voting for the naked guy on the freeway!” Others compared the statue to Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes, drawing parallels between the story’s vain emperor and Trump.
A Tactical Response to Harris’ Rally?
The timing of the statue’s unveiling just before Vice President Kamala Harris‘ rally seems intentional, mirroring recent political strategies aimed at outshining opposing events. Earlier in September, the Democratic National Committee launched Taylor Swift-inspired Harris campaign ads across New York City and Las Vegas, coinciding with Trump’s own Las Vegas rally on September 13.
This latest move underscores the intense political battle between Trump and Harris as both camps work to capture attention and dominate the headlines leading up to the November elections. Whether the naked Trump statue remains standing until Election Day remains to be seen, but for now, it has certainly captured the public’s attention.
A Growing Trend of Public Political Art
The Trump statue joins a growing list of public art installations designed to provoke political discourse. Its appearance not only serves as a symbol of the ongoing political rivalry but also highlights the power of visual media to stir conversation and drive public engagement.
As Election Day draws nearer, the nation is likely to see more bold and unconventional political statements, and this statue may just be the beginning.