A bronze statue of Melania Trump, located in her native Slovenia, has been stolen, marking the third time a statue of the former First Lady has gone missing. The life-sized sculpture, which was unveiled in 2020, was cut off at the ankles and removed from its base, prompting a police investigation into the theft.

Key Takeaways

  • The statue was stolen from a field near Sevnica, Slovenia, where Melania Trump was born.
  • This incident marks the third time a statue of Melania Trump has been vandalized or stolen.
  • The bronze statue was created by American artist Brad Downey and replaced a previous wooden statue that was burned in 2020.
  • Local police have launched an investigation to find the culprits behind the theft.

Background of the Statue

The bronze statue of Melania Trump was unveiled in September 2020, following the destruction of a wooden version that had been set ablaze on July 4 of the same year. The original statue, crafted by local artist Aleš Župevc, depicted Melania in a blue dress and heels, reminiscent of her attire during Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration.

The bronze replacement, designed by Brad Downey, was intended as an "anti-monument" and aimed to provoke discussions about identity and immigration. It was anchored to a tree stump in a field near the River Sava, symbolizing Melania’s roots in Slovenia.

The Theft

The theft was reported on May 13, 2025, when local authorities discovered that the statue had been sawed off at the ankles. Police spokeswoman Alenka Drenik Rangus confirmed that an investigation was immediately launched to track down those responsible for the brazen act.

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Downey expressed his disappointment upon learning of the statue’s disappearance, suggesting that the theft might be politically motivated, possibly linked to the upcoming election cycle involving Donald Trump. He stated, "My feeling is that it has something to do with the new election, but who knows, right?"

Community Reaction

The local community has had mixed feelings about the statue. While some residents appreciated the artistic representation of Melania Trump, others felt indifferent, with town officials noting that the image of the First Lady was not something they were particularly proud of. This ambivalence reflects the complex relationship many Slovenians have with their most famous expatriate.

Previous Incidents

This latest incident is not the first time a statue of Melania Trump has faced vandalism. The original wooden statue was destroyed by arsonists, and the bronze version has now been stolen. These events have sparked discussions about the treatment of public art and the political sentiments surrounding Melania Trump, especially as her husband, Donald Trump, remains a polarizing figure in American politics.

Conclusion

As the investigation unfolds, the fate of the stolen statue remains uncertain. The incident highlights not only the challenges of preserving public art but also the ongoing dialogue about identity and representation in a globalized world. The local police are urging anyone with information about the theft to come forward as they work to solve this peculiar case.

Sources

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Emre Emehet
Emre Emehet
Emre Emehet is a 45-year-old journalist from the Balkans, best known for his dedication to telling stories that reflect the everyday lives of people in his region. Growing up in a small town in northern Bosnia, Emre always had an interest in local history and storytelling, which drew him to pursue a degree in journalism and communications at the University of Sarajevo. He wasn’t the top of his class, but his professors admired his practical approach and natural curiosity, qualities that would later define his career.

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