A towering nude sculpture of Donald Trump, erected near Interstate 15 in Las Vegas, has drawn considerable attention as the 2024 presidential race heats up. The highly controversial 43-foot-tall statue titled “Crooked and Obscene” briefly towered over the highway before its sudden removal, just days after it went up on 28 September.
The Previous Elections Saw Similar Installations
The foam-covered, metal rebar statue depicted the former president scowling, his arms outstretched and controlled by puppet strings, which could be manipulated to make them move. Its creators remain anonymous, but they commented on the piece for The Wrap, describing it as a bold commentary on transparency, vulnerability, and the public personas of political figures.
The Las Vegas installation has sparked heated debate about art, free speech, and political expression. While some might consider the sculpture a hilarious or deeply profound political statement, the Nevada Republican Party deemed it offensive and inappropriate. Party representatives took to social media to criticize the Democrats for prioritizing “shock value over substance.”
While families drive through Las Vegas, they are forced to view this offensive marionette, designed intentionally for shock value rather than meaningful dialogue.
Nevada Republican Party statement
This case isn’t the first time a nude Trump sculpture has appeared in public. During his first presidential campaign in 2016, five similar statues popped up in cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle as part of an Indecline-led project titled “The Emperor Has No Balls.” This newest installation will reportedly go on a national tour, but no information about future stops or dates is available.
Both Parties Have High Hopes for Nevada
The timing of the statue’s appearance coincides with intense political activity in Las Vegas, as Nevada has become a key battleground for both parties. Last month, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard rallied support for Trump’s 2024 campaign in the city. Kennedy criticized the Democratic Party and endorsed Trump’s leadership, while Gabbard spoke against Republican and Democratic figures.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris also made an appeal of her own to Las Vegas voters by focusing on the middle class, with Trump’s economic policies favoring corporations and the wealthy. Harris’ promises include lowering the cost of living, ensuring US citizens’ reproductive freedom, and supporting smaller businesses.
As the presidential race heats up, Nevada’s electorate remains highly contested. Harris recently pulled ahead of Trump in the betting odds after their debate, as her chance of victory now sits above 50%, according to election betting companies. Political analysts expect a tight race in Nevada, making it a crucial swing in the 2024 election.
