An odd new statue just popped up on the National Mall in D.C. last week. It’s a bronze replica of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s desk, complete with all the usual office stuff—her nameplate, phone, file folders—but the real surprise? A giant poop emoji-style swirl of, well, poop, right on top of her desk.
The plaque under the statue reads: “This memorial honors the brave men and women who broke into the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, to loot, urinate, and defecate throughout those hallowed halls in order to overturn an election.” Talk about sarcasm!
The statue, called “The Resolute Desk,” is meant to symbolize the “heart of democracy.” The National Park Service originally approved it for display until last Wednesday but later extended it to November 6—right after Election Day. The group behind this display, Civic Crafted LLC, got the permit and has been having some fun making a bold statement right outside the Capitol.
“The Resolute Desk” sits within full view of the very building where Trump supporters stormed in on January 6, trying to block the peaceful transfer of power. That day saw four deaths at the Capitol, followed by a police officer’s death and suicides among others who had been on duty. Over 1,500 people have faced charges, with many admitting to leaving quite a mess in the halls, from damage to graffiti to worse.
But that wasn’t the only eyebrow-raising statue to make an appearance. Just a few blocks from the White House, a second statue showed up in Freedom Plaza: a giant tiki torch clenched in a fist, titled “The Donald J. Trump Enduring Flame.” This statue references Trump’s infamous 2017 Charlottesville rally and his infamous remark about “very fine people on both sides” following the clash between white nationalists and counter-protesters.
The statues have sparked a mix of reactions from amused passersby to outraged onlookers. People have taken countless photos, and some parts of the Pelosi desk statue have even gone mysteriously missing. Both pieces are temporary, with permits expiring right around Election Day—meaning they might be gone soon, but they’ve definitely left their mark.
