In a bizarre turn of events, a life-size bronze statue of Melania Trump has been stolen from her hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia. The statue, which was unveiled in 2020, was reportedly sawed off at the ankles, leaving only its base behind. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the theft, which has left the community in shock.
Key Takeaways
- The statue was stolen from Sevnica, Slovenia, where Melania Trump was born.
- It was sawed off at the ankles, with only the base remaining.
- The statue was a replacement for a wooden version that was burned in 2020.
- Police are investigating the incident and seeking those responsible.
Background of the Statue
The bronze statue of Melania Trump was created by American artist Brad Downey and was installed near the banks of the Sava River in Sevnica. It was meant to symbolize the former First Lady’s connection to her homeland. This statue replaced a wooden sculpture that had been set ablaze in July 2020, shortly after its unveiling. The original wooden statue, carved from a linden tree, depicted Melania in a pale blue dress reminiscent of the one she wore during Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017.
The Theft
On May 16, 2025, local police were alerted to the statue’s disappearance. According to police spokesperson Alenka Drenik Rangus, the statue was reported missing on Tuesday, and authorities are actively working to track down the culprits. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the statue was removed in a calculated manner, with reports indicating it was sawed off at the ankles, leaving behind a stark reminder of its presence.
Community Reaction
The theft has sparked a mix of reactions among the local community. Some residents expressed disbelief, while others seemed indifferent, noting that the statue had not garnered much pride among locals. Town officials have commented that the image of the U.S. First Lady was not something that resonated positively with everyone in Sevnica.
Speculations and Theories
The circumstances surrounding the statue’s disappearance have led to various speculations. Artist Brad Downey, who created the bronze statue, suggested that the theft might be politically motivated, hinting at the ongoing discussions about immigration and identity that the statue was meant to provoke. The incident has drawn comparisons to the previous statue’s fate, raising questions about the community’s sentiments towards Melania Trump and her legacy.
Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation unfolds, police are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the recovery of the statue. The local authorities are determined to find those responsible for this unusual theft, which has captured the attention of both national and international media. The case remains open, and updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
In conclusion, the theft of Melania Trump’s statue has not only left a physical void in Sevnica but has also ignited discussions about identity, politics, and the legacy of the former First Lady in her homeland. The community watches closely as the investigation continues, hoping for answers to this peculiar incident.
Sources
- Melania Trump’s Statue Disappears From Hometown in Slovenia, Police Investigation Underway, Newsx.
- Police Investigate Disappearance of Melania Trump’s Statue in Her Native Slovenia, U.S. News & World Report.
- Melania Trump Statue Mysteriously Disappears In Slovenia, The Morning News.
- Bronze statue of Melania Trump in her Slovenian hometown hacked off at the ankles and…, LBC.
- Melania Trump’s statue in her native Slovenia stolen, NewsNation.
