Massive statue of Donald Trump looms over Phoenix, but make sure the kids don't see it

The 43-foot foam statue was certainly not family-friendly

PUBLISHED OCT 4, 2024

The controversial statue is the work of an anonymous artist or collective.

Phoenix, Arizona: Of all the things you expect to see in downtown Phoenix, a massive statue of former President Donald Trump is not one of thnem. And a naked statue of Trump is most certainly not one of them. But there it was in all its 43-foot glory, the would-be emperor had new clothes -- block and tackle.

The statue -- entitled 'Crooked and Obscene'-- hanging from a crane in an empty lot near 24th Street and Washington, had passersby stopping to take photos and share their reactions.

The statue reportedly arrived in Phoenix after being displayed in Las Vegas just days earlier. Though it has sparked speculation, its origin and purpose remain unclear.

According to reports, the statue is the work of an anonymous artist or collective. The piece, made of foam and weighing 6,000 pounds, has previously been called "deplorable and offensive" by the Nevada GOP.

Local businesses near the statue, including a car repair shop, dispensary, and self-storage facility, deny any involvement.

William Pitts told 12News: "I'm sure if you asked Mr. Trump, he'd say, ‘Yes, it's great. It's the best statue in the world.’"

What is 'Crooked and Obscene'?

The art collective 'Crooked and Obscene' unveiled the naked Trump statue in Las Vegas in September 2024. According to the artists, the exaggerated and satirical depiction of Trump is meant to critique public personas of political figures and challenge viewers to reflect on political influence and transparency.

The installation, titled 'Crooked and Obscene', is part of a nationwide tour, but the collective has not yet announced the full list of cities. The statue has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with some finding it humorous while others view it as distasteful. This is not the first time Trump has been depicted in such a controversial manner; a previous project by the art collective 'INDECLINE' in 2016 featured life-size naked statues of Trump as part of a project called 'The Emperor Has No Balls'.