A towering 43-foot effigy of a fully nude Donald Trump has sparked a firestorm of outrage among Nevada Republicans after it mysteriously appeared outside Las Vegas over the weekend. Described as “pornographic” and “deplorable,” the statue has ignited fierce criticism from party leaders who claim it represents a new low in political discourse.
Weighing in at 6,000 pounds and constructed from foam and rebar, the statue—entitled “Crooked and Obscene”—is set to embark on a nationwide tour, as revealed by the anonymous artist behind this provocative piece. Local reports indicate that it will next be showcased in key swing states, further escalating the tension surrounding its controversial message.
The Nevada Republican Party wasted no time in issuing a vehement condemnation, arguing that families driving through Las Vegas would be “forced to confront this offensive monstrosity,” which they claim serves no purpose beyond shock value. “This is not art; it’s a misguided attempt to provoke rather than engage in meaningful dialogue,” the party declared in a statement.
Right-wing influencer Ian Miles Cheong took to X, asserting that if Trump is elected president, he “should jail everyone involved in the creation of this effigy.”
Another right-wing conspiracy theorist, Catturd (real name Phillip Buchanan), labeled those behind the statue as “demons,” echoing a previous post from another influencer who denounced the artwork as “POLITICAL VIOLENCE.”
Obscene. Libtards suffering from TDS have hanged a giant effigy of Donald Trump near Las Vegas. When Trump becomes president he should jail everyone who was a part of this effigy's creation. pic.twitter.com/Zia0uOvSnK
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) September 30, 2024
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
Yet, as the statue loomed over Interstate 15, it captured the attention—and opinions—of passersby. Special education teacher Alex Lannin shared his thoughts with the New York Post, saying, “I was a little worried about it getting a sunburn, but other than that, I love it.” The mixed reactions reveal a stark contrast to the GOP’s formal denunciation, highlighting the divisive nature of the artwork.
By Monday, the statue had been dismantled, but its impact lingers, igniting debates about art, politics, and the boundaries of public expression. As the artist prepares to take “Crooked and Obscene” to more cities, one thing is clear: this effigy isn’t just a statue—it’s a lightning rod for controversy and conversation.
Watch KSNV’s report and some reactions below:
