The 2.6‑metre statue, coated in 23‑karat gold leaf, has drawn sharp criticism from parliamentarians, who say the piece distorts democratic values.
Sculptor Jens Galschiøt, known for provocative works such as the Pillar of Shame, explained that the figure of Trump perched on a smaller man symbolizes the imbalance of power. The installation was sponsored by Per Clausen, a member of the European Parliament’s left‑wing group The Left, who said it aims to spark debate about European sovereignty amid U.S. influence.
The piece has previously appeared at the Munich Security Conference and COP30 in Brazil, and 20,000 miniature replicas were handed out to visitors as protest tokens. It will remain on display until Thursday before returning to COP31 in Antalya next month. Trump has not publicly commented on the artwork.