A new statue depicting former President Donald Trump and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been installed near the U.S. Capitol on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

Erected by an unidentified group, the statue features Trump and Epstein—who famously socialized together decades ago—clasped hands. A plaque beneath the bronze figures states: “In honor of friendship month, we celebrate the enduring connection between President Donald J. Trump and his ‘closest friend’ Jeffrey Epstein,” accompanied by a silhouette of two hands forming a heart.

Previously unsealed recordings reportedly revealed Epstein referring to himself as Trump’s “.” While Trump famously at a gathering at his Mar-a-Lago property in the 1990s and praised Epstein in a 2002 interview with , he later sought to distance himself.

Following Epstein’s 2019 apprehension on federal sex trafficking accusations, Trump informed journalists in the Oval Office: “I had a disagreement with him [Epstein]. We haven’t communicated in 15 years. I definitely wasn’t an admirer of his, that I can tell you.”

“Those on the left are at liberty to spend their funds as they choose—however, it’s no revelation that Epstein was acquainted with Donald Trump, as Donald Trump expelled Epstein from his establishment for his objectionable behavior,” the White House informed TIME on Wednesday morning, commenting on the statue. “Democrats, the press, and the group funding this statue were aware of Epstein and his victims for years and offered no assistance, while President Trump advocated for openness, and is currently providing it through thousands of pages of documents.”

Even as efforts continue to release the complete Epstein files, Trump’s past association with the convicted individual persists as a contentious issue, especially among activists globally.

Prior to Trump’s extraordinary visit to the United Kingdom last week, a large banner displaying an image of him and Epstein was displayed on the grounds outside Windsor Castle, where the then-President was received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The banner was promptly taken down before Trump arrived in the U.K., yet analogous protest actions ensued. As Trump’s aircraft landed in London, demonstrators projected images of him and Epstein onto Windsor Castle’s walls. The monarchy was also implicated as pictures of became part of the demonstration.

Earlier this summer, preceding Trump’s trip to Scotland, a photograph of him and Epstein appeared at a bus stop close to the U.S. Embassy in London. The image, positioned by the activist collective Everyone Hates Elon, was subsequently modified to feature a quotation from Trump discussing Epstein.

“A fantastic individual. He’s highly entertaining. It’s even rumored that he appreciates attractive women as much as I do, with many being on the younger side,” stated the President in 2002. 

Trump’s connection to Epstein resurfaced recently following the release of multiple letters purportedly penned by prominent individuals for a book commemorating Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003.

A birthday letter, reportedly signed by Trump and sent to Epstein, was released and garnered significant interest. The message included a sketch of a woman’s silhouette next to the inscription: “Happy Birthday—and may every day be another wonderful secret.” 

While it’s believed that Trump authored the birthday note for Epstein, there was no outright declaration that the documents were fraudulent.

When questioned about the note during an NBC interview, Trump responded: “I do not comment on something that is no longer relevant.”

Concurrently, Trump has been the subject of additional protest art displayed in Washington D.C.

In June, a sculpture named “Dictator Approved” emerged on the National Mall. It depicted a golden hand, signaling a thumbs-up, pressing down on the head of the Statue of Liberty. The crown displayed cracks, and one of its spikes had detached.

Below the sculpture were multiple plaques bearing statements from global leaders who back Trump. “President Trump is a highly intelligent and gifted individual,” stated Russian President Vladimir Putin. A different one, from North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, conveyed: “The exceptional bravery of Donald Trump.”