Mysterious Disappearance of Melania Trump Statue Sparks Controversy in Slovenia

The statue, which had previously endured destruction and was replaced, is now being investigated as a theft, stirring mixed feelings among locals regarding its significance.

A mysterious and questionable turn of events has unfolded in Sevnica, Slovenia, as a bronze statue of Melania Trump has seemingly gone missing. The sculpture, created by artist Brad Downey and unveiled in September 2020, represented the former First Lady on the banks of the River Sava, evoking mixed reviews from the town and beyond. Just four months after Melania Trump’s return to her former lifestyle in Washington, D.C., the statue's larger-than-life presence has vanished, leaving behind only its feet and a two-meter tree stump.

This is not the first incident surrounding the tributes to Melania, as the original wooden sculpture, crafted by local artist Ales "Maxi" Zupevc, was infamously set ablaze during a Fourth of July celebration in 2019. Downey had preserved the design and later commissioned a bronze version, which he aimed to make as resilient as possible to avoid such fates. However, the newly cast statue met an unusual fate, being severed from its pedestal.

Local authorities have classified the incident as a theft and commenced an investigation to recover the statue. Downey, known for infusing his work with political commentary, speculated that the statue's removal may be linked to the political climate surrounding Trump’s potential re-election. In Sevnica, officials are left with divided sentiments, condemning vandalism while acknowledging an uncomfortable pride in the representation of Melania Trump, which has complicated its cultural significance.