A striking golden toilet sculpture, dubbed "A Throne Fit for a King," has made an appearance on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., near the Lincoln Memorial. This latest installation by the enigmatic art collective, The Secret Handshake, aims to provoke thought on political actions and leadership, continuing their tradition of politically charged public artworks. The piece serves as a commentary on a past presidential renovation and its perceived priorities, echoing themes of luxury and public service.
The Secret Handshake, known for previous controversial installations such as "Best Friends Forever," which depicted Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, deliberately placed this new work to draw attention. In a statement, the artists highlighted the contrast between daily global crises and what they termed the former President's "accomplishments," specifically referencing his redesign of the Lincoln Bathroom. This artistic critique aims to underscore the perceived triviality of certain executive decisions amidst more pressing national and international issues.
The inspiration behind "A Throne Fit for a King" directly stems from Trump's 2025 renovation of the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom. During this refurbishment, the original Art Deco green tiles were replaced with sterile marble, a change that drew considerable online ridicule. Trump, however, defended the alteration on Truth Social, claiming it was historically accurate and fitting for the era of Abraham Lincoln. This move, executed during a government shutdown, was characterized by Trump as an unexpectedly swift achievement, with the bathroom's fixtures, including the trash can, lamps, and faucet handles, being rendered in gold.
The sculpture's accompanying plaque further elaborates on its message, stating that in a period of intense societal division, conflict, and economic instability, the former President prioritized the renovation of the Lincoln Bathroom. It sarcastically labels this as his "crowning achievement," portraying him as a visionary who "looked down, saw a problem, and painted it gold." This narrative critically questions the values and focus of leadership during times of national concern, using the golden toilet as a symbol of misplaced priorities and opulent self-indulgence.
Standing at an impressive 10 feet tall, the golden toilet sculpture is designed to be interactive, allowing individuals to sit upon it. The artists intend for the monument to remain on display for several days, inviting public engagement and reflection. The work also implicitly references Maurizio Cattelan’s renowned 2016 sculpture "America," a functional 18-karat solid gold toilet that was famously exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum. Cattelan's piece garnered immense public interest, with thousands waiting to experience it. In 2017, when the Trump administration sought to borrow a van Gogh painting from the Guggenheim, the museum famously offered "America" as an alternative, adding another layer of artistic and political subtext to the current D.C. installation.
This latest artistic endeavor by The Secret Handshake on the National Mall continues a discourse on power, public perception, and the role of art in political commentary. By presenting a grand, golden toilet in such a prominent public space, the artists invite viewers to contemplate the nature of leadership, the impact of political decisions, and the often-satirical reflections found in contemporary art regarding societal values and governance.