A golden toilet installed on the National Mall in Washington drew crowds Monday after an anonymous art group placed the piece as a pointed protest against US President Donald Trump.
The sculpture, titled “A Throne Fit for a King,” consists of a gold-painted toilet on a marble-style pedestal with steps. It appeared days after nationwide “No Kings” protests and was set up between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.
A plaque on the installation criticized Trump for focusing on renovating a White House bathroom during a period of political division, economic trouble, and escalating conflict.
The plaque referenced Trump’s October social media posts in which he promoted the newly redesigned Lincoln Bathroom, which he said featured marble finishes in black and white alongside gold fixtures.
‘Secret Handshake’ uses a gilded throne to challenge Trump’s priorities
The group behind the work, “The Secret Handshake,” said through a member that current events feel heavy, and the piece was meant to offer people a brief break while still carrying a political message. The member added that the work plays into widespread imagery of Trump presenting himself as a ruler or king-like figure.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said that Trump is working to make the White House and the nation’s capital more beautiful and will continue to fulfill the promises that led to his election.
Giant golden toilet sculpture appears near Lincoln Memorial in D.C. pic.twitter.com/CkBsmPEAQK
— Molly Ploofkins (@Mollyploofkins) March 30, 2026
The golden toilet, installed in one of Washington’s busiest public spaces, drew a mix of reactions from tourists Monday morning.
Some found it amusing and fitting while others not. A visitor from Michigan said it stood in sharp contrast to the monuments honoring those who helped shape the country. A couple from Texas said it reflected the gold-heavy aesthetic they associate with Trump. A visitor from Maryland described it as a proud example of free speech and an American tradition worth celebrating.
Golden toilet in Washington, D.C., draws laughs and criticism
Others were less supportive. A couple from New York who voted for Trump said the display was in poor taste and did not belong on the National Mall.
The toilet does not function, but visitors could sit on it for photos since the lid was fixed in place. A toilet paper roll bearing the group’s name was placed beside it, and the artists said plenty of rolls were available for people to take from.
The Secret Handshake has placed roughly a dozen protest works on the National Mall over the past year and a half, all critical of Trump. Earlier pieces showed Trump alongside convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including one referencing the film Titanic.
The group also displayed an enlarged version of a birthday note attributed to Trump and addressed to Epstein. Trump has denied sending the note and denied any wrongdoing connected to Epstein’s crimes.
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