A giant effigy of former President Donald Trump, depicted stark naked and swinging from a crane, has recently taken center stage behind the BudSmart marijuana dispensary near Washington and 24th streets in Phoenix, Arizona. Initially unveiled near Las Vegas just days prior, the towering marionette has made headlines as part of its controversial "Crooked and Obscene Tour," drawing both attention and criticism from various quarters.
Standing at 43 feet tall and weighing about 6,000 pounds, this large-scale installation is constructed from foam over rebar, making it both eye-catching and provocative. The design features animated arms, giving it the appearance of movement, which has certainly added to its shock value. The statue is expected to travel to other U.S. cities as part of the tour, though details about its final destinations have yet to be announced.
Tom Yarak, the owner of the property hosting the effigy, revealed he was approached by third-party brokers who wanted to temporarily rent the space for the statue. Unaware of how long the installation would remain, he described the arrangement as merely business-oriented, stating, "I’m like Switzerland, brother." He also noted, curiously, he doesn't know who actually owns the effigy.
The artwork's presence has stirred significant interest among passersby and even attracted the attention of law enforcement, who took the opportunity to snap photos. Ashley Meadows, manager of the adjacent Canine Country Club & Feline Inn, reported mixed reactions from the public, saying many seemed disturbed by the nudity but were intrigued enough to come and take a look. The statue was visible from her facility, leading to unexpected reactions from patrons.
Its debut sparked controversy, particularly among Republican circles. The Nevada Republican Party called the statue "deplorable," describing the nudity as "pornographic" and offensive. They criticized the display as more focused on shock value than fostering meaningful dialogue. The party commented, "While families drive through Las Vegas, they are forced to view this offensive marionette, intentionally created for shock value rather than meaningful dialogue." The Trump campaign has yet to comment on the statue, leaving its reception among Trump supporters largely speculative.
This isn't the first time Trump has been depicted this way. Back in August 2016 during his first presidential race, similar life-size naked statues were erected across five major U.S. cities, drawing laughter, outrage, and conversations about political critique through absurdity. The choice to portray Trump in the nude is deliberate, according to the project’s associates, serving as "a bold statement on transparency, vulnerability, and the public personas of political figures." Their aim is to challenge viewers to think critically about transparency—or the lack thereof—in politics.
The fevered speculation surrounding the effigy’s next moves is palpable. While it initially appeared behind the dispensary, it disappeared as swiftly as it arrived, fueling curiosities about its touring schedule. Observers saw it taken away by semitrucks, with indications it was headed for Utah. The speed of its removal raised questions about the level of interest it generated and whether similar pieces of public art could follow suit.
Reaction to the artwork has been sharply divided. For some, it stands as bold artistic expression, challenging mainstream narratives of political decorum; for others, it evokes discomfort and controversy, embodying the often polarizing nature of public discourse surrounding Trump. No matter the perspective, its presence demonstrates how public art can serve as both mirror and megaphone, reflecting societal sentiments and sparking debate.
With the 2024 presidential election looming, artworks like this one may become more common as artists seek to bring attention to political issues and challenge public perceptions. Whether applauded for their audacity or criticized for their mischief, these pieces are undoubtedly part of the cultural conversation surrounding near-constant electoral change. Stay tuned to see where the dust—and this statue—settles next.
