A new temporary bronze installation depicting a pile of feces on Nancy Pelosi’s desk was erected in Washington DC this week across from the US Capitol, appearing to satirically “honor” the people behind the January 6 insurrection.
The scatological statue, which was installed on Thursday, features a swirl somewhat resembling the common “poop” emoji sitting on a desk with Pelosi’s name.
“This memorial honors the brave men and women who broke into the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 to loot, urinate and defecate throughout those hallowed halls in order to overturn an election,” the plaque under the statue reads.
“President Trump celebrates these heroes of January 6th as ‘unbelievable patriots’ and ‘warriors.’ This monument stands as a testament to their daring sacrifice and lasting legacy.”
The statue does not indicate who the artist is or who created it. However, according to the Washington Post, the National Park Service approved a permit request from Julia Jimenez-Pyzik of Civic Crafted LLC to install a statue on the National Mall until 30 October.
The Park Service added that when issuing permits it “does not consider the content of the message being presented”, and that “as federal land and America’s premier civic space, the National Mall serves as a forum where citizens can exercise their Constitutional rights to speech and assembly”.
In the permit, obtained by NBC News, Civic Crafted LLC said the desk “represents the heart of democracy, where decisions are made, voices are heard, and the future is shaped”.
“Here, the power of the people finds its expression through the diligent efforts of those who serve the public good,” it said. “When rioters broke in to destroy these ideals, this desk stands firm, so too must the principles of equality, justice, and freedom that it represents.”
It added that the statue is named The Resolute Desk.
Social media reaction ranged from “tasteless” and a “total embarrassment” to “awesome”. “Welcome to America, where a bronze poop statue honoring the people who tried to break our democracy currently stands on the National Mall,” one user posted.
According to NBC News, the permit indicates that another statue, depicting a hand emerging from a stone base and holding a tiki torch, will be installed next week between the Capitol and the White House.