Any further information on its whereabouts remains elusive, especially given the statue's troubled history in Slovenia, where previous tributes have met unfortunate ends.
The bronze statue, which captured attention when it was unveiled in September 2020, appeared along the banks of the River Sava in July 2020, just four months prior to Melania Trump vacating the White House. However, after she returned to life in Washington D.C., the statue seemed to vanish from her Slovenian roots, with local authorities confirming only the tree stump and the statue's feet were found at the site in Sevnica.
This disappearance is not a first in the saga of Melania Trump tributes in the area. The initial wooden statue, carved by Ales "Maxi" Zupevc, was set ablaze during a Fourth of July celebration in 2019, leading to the creation of a more durable bronze version. Downey designed this second tribute to be vandal-resistant, highlighting ongoing conversations about the political implications surrounding Melania Trump's rise and her husband's administration's policies.
Local police have designated the incident as theft and launched an investigation into the statue's disappearance. Meanwhile, Downey opines that its removal is likely connected to the climate surrounding Trump's potential re-election. He expressed concerns over this latest debacle, drawing attention to how Melania's public image has affected the sentiment around her tributes in her native country.
While local officials express disappointment over the incident and maintain respect for public and private property, there seems to be an underlying ambivalence regarding Melania Trump's legacy. They have noted that the representation of the former First Lady is not a point of pride for many in Sevnica. As the investigation continues, the fate of the statue remains uncertain, adding yet another chapter to the complex history of Melania Trump's public representation.
The bronze statue, which captured attention when it was unveiled in September 2020, appeared along the banks of the River Sava in July 2020, just four months prior to Melania Trump vacating the White House. However, after she returned to life in Washington D.C., the statue seemed to vanish from her Slovenian roots, with local authorities confirming only the tree stump and the statue's feet were found at the site in Sevnica.
This disappearance is not a first in the saga of Melania Trump tributes in the area. The initial wooden statue, carved by Ales "Maxi" Zupevc, was set ablaze during a Fourth of July celebration in 2019, leading to the creation of a more durable bronze version. Downey designed this second tribute to be vandal-resistant, highlighting ongoing conversations about the political implications surrounding Melania Trump's rise and her husband's administration's policies.
Local police have designated the incident as theft and launched an investigation into the statue's disappearance. Meanwhile, Downey opines that its removal is likely connected to the climate surrounding Trump's potential re-election. He expressed concerns over this latest debacle, drawing attention to how Melania's public image has affected the sentiment around her tributes in her native country.
While local officials express disappointment over the incident and maintain respect for public and private property, there seems to be an underlying ambivalence regarding Melania Trump's legacy. They have noted that the representation of the former First Lady is not a point of pride for many in Sevnica. As the investigation continues, the fate of the statue remains uncertain, adding yet another chapter to the complex history of Melania Trump's public representation.
