What's happened
A bronze statue of Melania Trump, unveiled in 2020 in Slovenia, was stolen recently. The statue, located near her birthplace in Sevnica, was sawed off at the ankles. Police are investigating the theft, which follows the destruction of a previous wooden statue in 2020.
What's behind the headline?
Context of the Theft
- The theft of the statue reflects ongoing local sentiments towards Melania Trump, with mixed feelings about her representation in Slovenia.
- The original wooden statue was destroyed in July 2020, indicating a history of controversy surrounding her likeness.
Public Sentiment
- Local residents, like Franja Kranjc, express indifference towards the statue, suggesting it was not a source of pride: "I think no one was really proud at this statue, not even the first lady of the USA."
- This sentiment may indicate a broader disconnect between Melania Trump and her home country, impacting how her image is perceived.
Implications
- The ongoing vandalism and theft of statues related to political figures may signal a growing trend of public dissent against political legacies.
- As police investigate, the outcome could influence future public art projects and the portrayal of political figures in Slovenia.
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, police confirmed the statue was stolen on Tuesday, with efforts underway to track down the culprits. AP News noted that the bronze statue was removed by sawing it off at the ankles, emphasizing the methodical nature of the theft. The Independent echoed these details, highlighting the statue's lack of resemblance to Melania Trump, which has been a point of contention since its unveiling. The coverage across these sources illustrates a consensus on the event's significance while also reflecting local attitudes towards Melania Trump.
How we got here
The statue was unveiled during Donald Trump's presidency in 2020, replacing a wooden version that was burned earlier that year. The bronze replica has been criticized for lacking resemblance to Melania Trump.
Go deeper
- What happened to the original wooden statue?
- How has the local community reacted to the statue?
- What are the police doing to find the stolen statue?
Common question
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What does the theft of Melania Trump's statue signify?
The recent theft of a bronze statue of Melania Trump in Slovenia has sparked widespread discussion and debate. This incident raises questions about the cultural significance of public art, the political implications of such acts, and the public's reaction to the Trump legacy. Below, we explore various aspects of this event and its broader implications.
More on these topics
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Melania Trump is a Slovenian-American former model, businesswoman, and the current first lady of the United States, as the wife of the 45th president of the United States, Donald Trump.
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Slovenia, officially the Republic of Slovenia, is a country located in Europe at the crossroads of main European cultural and trade routes.
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The police are a constituted body of persons empowered by a state, with the aim to enforce the law, to ensure the safety, health and possessions of citizens, and to prevent crime and civil disorder.