USA20 January, 20262 min read
Activist Collective The Secret Handshake Installs 10-Foot Replica of Trump's Alleged Birthday Card to Jeffrey Epstein on National Mall
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10-foot-tall replica of an alleged Trump birthday card erected on the National Mall Replica reproduces a birthday message bearing Donald Trump’s name from Epstein's letter collection
7 outlets told this the same way.
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'.
“Activist groups erected a jumbo replica of an alleged birthday card from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein on the National Mall, placed by The Secret Handshake (with a related banner photo credited to Everyone Hates Elon and Glasgow Actions Team).”
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.
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'.
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.
“The collective says the work went up overnight and is permitted to remain through Jan. 23; a nearby plaque invites visitors to leave messages for the Trump administration.”
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.
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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.