Full Analysis Summary
Mall protest art installation
On Jan. 19–20, an activist collective calling itself The Secret Handshake installed a 10-foot replica of an alleged Donald Trump birthday card to Jeffrey Epstein on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.; some outlets described the replica as 'jumbo'.
The installation went up overnight, and the group said it is permitted to remain through Jan. 23.
Multiple outlets reported the work was placed one day before Epstein's Jan. 20 birthday.
The piece includes space for public comments or messages directed to the Trump administration.
CNN described the installation as part of a series of provocative works by the group and said it contacted the National Park Service for details.
Coverage Differences
Detail emphasis
Sources vary in how they describe the piece’s size and placement: The Daily Gazette calls it a "jumbo replica," filmogaz and WION use "10‑foot replica," and CNN labels it a "statue" but notes the permit through Jan. 23. These differences reflect each outlet’s word choice and focus (local description, art‑oriented sizing, or institutional/permitting context).
Birthday book replica details
A replica reproduces wording and imagery attributed to a 'birthday book' compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell.
News outlets have recounted similar lines and a 2003 drawing linked to the item.
One side reportedly shows an outline of a naked woman with the line 'Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret'.
The reverse reportedly reads: Happy Birthday To A 'Terrific Guy!' and also includes other text, according to one report, 'We have certain things in common, Jeffrey'.
Coverage Differences
Source of the material and specific wording
WION and filmogaz explicitly link the card to a 2003 drawing in Maxwell's "birthday book" and quote the naked outline and the "wonderful secret" line; The Daily Gazette reproduces other specific lines ("We have certain things in common, Jeffrey" and "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret"); CNN frames the item as part of broader congressional disclosures about a "birthday book." These differences show variation in which quoted lines and provenance each outlet highlights.
Installation highlights Trump-Epstein links
Organizers and several outlets said the installation aims to highlight controversial ties between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.
The piece joins previous satirical work by The Secret Handshake and includes a plaque or blank space inviting visitors to leave messages aimed at the Trump administration.
Reports describe the display as both street art and political commentary arriving amid renewed scrutiny of the so-called Epstein files.
Coverage Differences
Tone/narrative focus
filmogaz and WION emphasize the artistic and satirical nature of the installation and note the invitation for public messages (filmogaz: "a nearby plaque invites visitors to leave messages for the Trump administration"; WION: "includes blank space for public comments"), while CNN situates the work in legal and institutional pressure on the DOJ and the Biden administration to release records. The Daily Gazette notes photo credits and activist group involvement, focusing more locally. These differences reflect each outlet's angle—arts activism, legal/institutional context, or local reporting.
Epstein records coverage
The display arrived amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein-related records and legal disputes.
Outlets report that Trump denies creating or writing the note, has called related files "fabrication" or disputed past reporting, and has taken legal action tied to coverage.
At the same time, the Justice Department says it has released about 12,285 documents so far while more than two million remain under review.
Federal law requires full disclosure of the remaining files by Dec. 19, 2025.
Many outlets used these details to frame why the piece has political resonance.
Coverage Differences
Attribution and legal framing
The Daily Gazette quotes Trump as saying the file is a "fabrication," while filmogaz and CNN both note Trump’s denials and that he has sued or disputed reporting; CNN adds DOJ process details and the legal deadline for release. WION emphasizes that the display "has renewed controversy" but primarily reports the denial. These differences show that some sources foreground Trump’s response, others foreground DOJ disclosure mechanics and legal timelines.