The statue, which depicted Melania Trump, was a well-known landmark located about 15 minutes from Sevnica, her hometown in eastern Slovenia. Local police confirmed that the sculpture was reported missing on Tuesday, but they are still trying to determine its exact time of theft. Alenka Drenik, a police spokeswoman, stated that an investigation is underway.
Residents of Sevnica have expressed their thoughts on the incident, with some considering it a possible act of vandalism, while others suspect the statue was stolen for monetary gain by being melted down. Interestingly, most people interviewed did not think the disappearance had political implications. "Melania is rarely seen in the spotlight or anywhere else," remarked Igor Pavkovic, a lifelong resident of Sevnica. He added that he found the statue amusing but never felt particularly attached to it.
The bronze statue features a wave from Melania and was unveiled in 2019 by a chain-saw artist, originally carved from a linden tree before being replaced by the bronze version. Since leaving Slovenia in 1985, Melania Trump has not returned to her hometown, making the statue a curious point of interest that has not resonated deeply with the community. Residents are now left to wonder about the fate of this peculiar piece of art that once stood as a silent reminder of their most famous local daughter.
