STRASBOURG — A provocative, 2.6-meter sculpture depicting a naked, gold-leafed Donald Trump sitting on the shoulders of a frail man has ignited a fierce political debate within the European Parliament, drawing sharp condemnation from several European leaders who demanded its immediate removal.
Titled “The Orange Plague” (also known as “The King of Injustice”), the artwork was created by Danish artist Jens Galschiøt. It portrays an overweight Trump holding a golf club in one hand and the scales of justice in the other, while a globe resembling a golf ball rests near the feet of the struggling man beneath him.
An inscription at the base highlights the artist’s critique of power and responsibility: “
I am sitting on the back of a man. He is sinking under my burden. I will do anything to help him. Except stepping down from his back.”
Galschiøt stated the piece was conceived as a protest against Trump’s climate and foreign policies, which he argues undermine international cooperation. “Normally I attack systems, but in this case, I will attack Trump personally,” the artist told The Art Newspaper.
The exhibition, hosted by Danish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Per Clausen, was unveiled on October 7 but was removed just a day later.
Diplomatic Outrage
The display quickly drew the ire of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. In a letter to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Fico demanded the sculpture be taken down. Despite acknowledging his own policy disagreements with Trump, Fico argued that the artwork was an inappropriate insult to a key partner country on the premises of a European institution. He challenged critics by asking if they would accept similar satirical depictions of French President Emmanuel Macron or German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Other EU lawmakers joined the condemnation. Belgian MEP Barbara Bonte labelled the installation a “disgrace,” while Hungarian lawmaker Ernő Schaller-Baross pointed out an alleged double standard in how political leaders are treated. Irish MEP Barry Cowen also expressed his opposition, calling the piece “silly and objectionable.”
Defending Free Expression
Despite the diplomatic backlash, the exhibition’s host stood firmly behind the artwork as a legitimate exercise of free speech and political satire.
Danish MEP Per Clausen, who invited Galschiøt to Strasbourg, dismissed concerns regarding negative reactions from the US administration.
“If someone is so thin-skinned that they cannot tolerate this sculpture being exhibited in the European Parliament, then they have no place on the world stage,” Clausen stated.
The brief exhibition has left a lasting mark on the European Parliament, highlighting deep divisions among EU officials over the boundaries of political expression and the role of institutional spaces in hosting controversial satire.
Reference: Tehran Times