A bronze statue of Melania Trump has been stolen from her hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia, marking the third time a statue of the former First Lady has gone missing. The statue, which was sawed off at the ankles, has reignited debates about its controversial presence in the town.
Key Takeaways
- The statue was stolen on May 13, 2025, and was previously vandalized and burned.
- It was created by American artist Brad Downey and unveiled in 2020.
- Local authorities are investigating the theft, which has sparked speculation about its motivations.
Background of the Statue
The life-size bronze statue of Melania Trump was unveiled in September 2020, replacing a wooden version that had been set ablaze earlier that year. The original wooden statue, carved by local artist Aleš Župevc, depicted Melania in a pale blue dress reminiscent of her inauguration attire. However, it faced significant criticism from locals, with some claiming it bore little resemblance to the First Lady.
The bronze statue, while more durable, also failed to capture Melania’s likeness, leading to mixed reactions from the community. Despite its artistic intentions, the statue became a focal point for both admiration and disdain, reflecting Sevnica’s complicated relationship with its most famous resident.
The Theft Incident
On May 13, 2025, local police were alerted to the statue’s disappearance. Authorities reported that the statue had been sawed off at the ankles and removed from its base, which was a tree stump in a field near Sevnica. Police spokeswoman Alenka Drenik Rangus confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators.
Brad Downey, the artist behind the bronze statue, expressed sadness over its theft, suggesting that it might be linked to the political climate surrounding the upcoming elections. He noted, "My feeling is that it has something to do with the new election [of Donald Trump], but who knows, right?"
Community Reactions
The theft has divided the local community, with some residents expressing relief at the statue’s removal, while others lament its loss. The ongoing controversy surrounding the statue reflects broader sentiments about Melania Trump and her legacy, both in Slovenia and the United States.
Local opinions have varied widely, with some residents previously describing the original wooden statue as unflattering, while others appreciated its artistic value. The bronze replacement, however, has not garnered the same level of affection, leading to questions about its place in the town’s public spaces.
Conclusion
The disappearance of Melania Trump’s statue in Slovenia highlights the intersection of art, politics, and community sentiment. As authorities continue their investigation, the fate of the statue remains uncertain, leaving Sevnica to grapple with its complicated relationship with its most famous daughter. The incident serves as a reminder of how public art can evoke strong emotions and provoke discussions about identity and representation in society.
Sources
- Melania Trumpʼs Statue Stolen From Her Hometown In Slovenia | Firstpost America, Firstpost.
- Melania Trump statue in Slovenia cut at ankles, stolen for third time, New York Post.
- Melania Trump’s statue in her native Slovenia stolen, NewsNation.
- Melania Trump statue sawed off at ankles, stolen from Slovenian hometown, FOX 5 DC.
- Melania Trump statue in her native Slovenia disappears, after previous one was set on fire, CBS News.
