A 43-foot-tall nude effigy of Donald Trump hung from a construction crane near Las Vegas for less than 48 hours before it was taken down. The statue, placed a mile or two off Interstate 15 and near Love’s Travel Stop, attracted attention on Saturday and Sunday. It stood 27.5 miles from the Trump International Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.
Despite its proximity to a busy highway, the effigy was not easily visible from the road, likely preventing traffic disruptions. The statue was “anatomically correct,” showcasing the artist’s interpretation of Trump’s private parts. Smaller versions of similar effigies have appeared in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Seattle, and San Francisco. The connection between these displays remains unclear.
The Nevada statue had a more realistic face compared to those by an anarchist collective. TMZ reported the artwork, titled “Crooked and Obscene,” is not meant to be flattering. Public records show a trust in Las Vegas owns the land where the crane was located. Neither the artist nor the group behind the installation has been identified.
POLITICAL VIOLENCE: Nevada Democrats have hung a 43 foot tall, 6000 pound naked President Trump in effigy near Las Vegas on Interstate 15. The display cost $550K+ It is designed to incite violence against and on behalf of the former president.
h/t @LaNativePatriot pic.twitter.com/jVrmYMc1lX
— @amuse (@amuse) September 30, 2024
The Nevada GOP condemned the effigy as an offensive stunt designed for shock value, contrasting it with Trump’s focus on working-class issues. Onlookers stopped to take selfies and view the statue up close. Nathan Oubre, a 32-year-old gas industry worker, called it a “comical gesture” but did not reveal his voting intentions.
Alex Lannin, a 53-year-old special-education teacher, brought flight attendant Honey Hunter, 27, to see the statue. Hunter, who is not a Trump supporter, appreciated the creativity but would not vote for Trump. Lannin, also not a supporter, joked about the effigy getting a sunburn.
Real-estate professional Clem Zeroli, 25, and his girlfriend Tommi Alexander, 24, took a selfie with the statue. Zeroli found it humorous but not respectful, while Alexander, despite her curiosity, remains a Trump supporter due to her family’s business interests.
Fifteen-year-old Anthony Sears visited out of curiosity, as he is not yet old enough to vote and does not follow politics closely.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NY Post reports a 43-foot naked Trump effigy vanished after roadside controversy, highlighting public reaction to provocative art and potential legal implications.(read more)
- The Independent reports a 43ft nude Trump statue titled ‘Crooked and Obscene’ near Las Vegas, aiming to provoke discussions on political transparency and influence.(read more)
- The Telegraph reports that a 43-foot naked Trump effigy near Las Vegas has been condemned by Republicans as “deplorable,” sparking controversy over shock value versus meaningful dialogue.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the giant Trump statue in Las Vegas?
It’s a 43-foot-tall nude effigy of Donald Trump suspended from a construction crane.
How long was the Trump statue in Las Vegas up?
It was up for less than 48 hours.
Who created the Trump statue in Las Vegas?
The artist is unknown; no visible identification was provided.
Why was the Trump statue removed?
Details on why it was removed are not provided in the article.
What was the public’s reaction to the Trump statue?
Reactions ranged from finding it funny and comical to considering it disrespectful.
