PRESS RELEASE: February 9, 2026
Trump as a Symbol of Global Abuse of Power
– Danish Art Protest in Munich
Munich Security Conference: Last year, the U.S. Vice President publicly insulted Europe and praised far-right movements as the continent’s only hope. This year, The Orange Plague is presented — a naked Trump sculpture in copper - serving as a humble but pointed counterweight to Trump’s megalomania.
An activist group from Gallery Galschiøt will take part in the Munich Security Conference, (Feb. 13–15). They bring the satirical Trump bronze sculpture The Orange Plague, along with several thousand 3D-printed miniature versions, which will be distributed to attendies and bystanders at the conference.
Munich Security Conference
The Munich Security Conference gathers heads of states, ministers, military leaders, and security strategists to discuss military power, alliances, and the rules shaping the international world order.
The action is a direct protest against Donald Trump and the power politics he represents — a political approach that undermines the rules-based international order and increasingly overrules smaller nations politically, economically, and militarily. The protest addresses the right to self-determination, independence, freedom of expression, and respect for international law.
A Sculpture About Abuse of Power
The sculpture is created by internationally renowned artist Jens Galschiøt. It depicts a naked Trump in copper, portrayed as a self-proclaimed King of Justice, sitting on the back of a frail human figure. In one hand, Trump holds a golf club next to a golf ball shaped like the Earth; in the other, a scale symbolizing the power to define what is just.
The work is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Emperor’s New Clothes and functions as a satirical exposure of power’s self-deception.
Engraved on the pedestal the Tolstoy inspired text can be seen:
I am sitting on the back of a man.
He is sinking under my burden.
I will do anything to help him.
Except stepping down from his back.
International Media Attention
The Orange Plague attracted widespread international attention when it was exhibited at COP30 in Brazil in November, where 6,000 3D-printed miniature sculptures were distributed to delegates, journalists, and the public.
At both events, photographs and videos circulated globally across traditional and social media. In particular, U.S. media outlets engaged extensively with the sculpture, where it was commented tens of thousands of times and viewed by millions.
A New Focus
At the Munich Security Conference, the focus of the sculpture shifts from climate to military and geopolitical power — but the underlying theme remains the same: a protest against a world order in which the strongest actors place themselves above the rules and use pressure and threats as political tools.
“Trump is not merely a political problem. He is a symbol of a global abuse of power, where the strongest believe themselves to be above international rules. That is the development we are protesting against in Munich.”
— Jens Galschiøt, sculptor
Mini-Trumps as Protest Symbols
Contact:
Artist: Jens Galschiøt - Phone / WhatsApp: +45 4044 7058 - Email: jens@galschiot.com
Activist in Munchen: Hans Peter Lund - Phone / WhatsApp: +45 2835 6240 - hans.peter.lund@mac.com
More info
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When world leaders gathered for the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, they were met by The Orange Plague — a brutal, satirical statement about Trump’s and the United States’ attacks on the green transition and the rules-based world order, and an encouragement to work together to stand against this destructive influence.
The Sculpture
Including podium the copper sculpture stands 2,5 meters tall, portraying a corpulent, nude Trump perched arrogantly on a thin young man in sneakers and shorts — an image of power imbalance and denial. In one hand Trump holds a golf club, in the other a scale of justice. Next to him, a golf ball shaped like Planet Earth lies on the ground.
On the pedestal is engraved the haunting inscription:
I am sitting on the back of a man.
He is sinking under my burden.
I will do anything to help him.
Except stepping down from his back.
Inspired by “The Emperor’s New Clothes” – with a Golf Club Twist Artist Jens Galschiøt describes the work as a modern version of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Hans Christian Andersen, in which a vain ruler parades naked, believing himself dressed in the finest garments. The illusion — sustained by fear and flattery — endures until a child cries out, “He’s not wearing any clothes” - and the emperor becomes a figure of ridicule.
“Trump is the naked emperor, trapped in his own illusion of greatness. Everyone can see the truth — but few dare to say it aloud,” says the Artist Jens Galschiøt.
Using grotesque humor and theatrical exaggeration, the sculpture draws from the traditions of political satire and commedia dell’arte, where laughter is used as a weapon against fear and power. “Laughter disarms tyrants. Once the laughter begins, the fear disappears — and power stands naked,” Galschiøt adds.
Invasion of the Mini-Trumps
To amplify the message, Galschiøt and his team produce miniature 3D-printed copies of the sculpture that are handed out freely. Each tiny Trump bears the engraving King of Injustice and The Orange Plague, along with the text I sit on the back of a man, I will do anything to help him, Except stepping down. See 3D printing in progress
The miniatures are part of a street-art-style action. Each small figure acts as a “sculptural outcry”, a visual protest symbol meant to spark debate and viral attention. All 3D print files for the mini-sculpture are released freely under open license. Anyone can download and print their own version of “The Orange Plague”. Get Print Files
The purpose of the project and why Donald Trump?
The sculpture was originatly made for COP30 climate summit, but Trumps actions have made it relevant in so many other cases. As for the climate Trump is undermining the climate efforts, rolling back hard-won progress, and even destroying the scientific data that documents it. Worse yet, he is using power and economic pressure to discourage other nations from pursuing green initiatives — thereby weakening the global fight against climate change.
Nations as well as NGOs are afraid to openly raise the subject on how to deal with Trump and his policies, fearing tariffs, fund-cuts, deportations or the like. As an independent art workshop we are not restricted by such bonds. This sculpture has been made to address "the elephant in the room" and start a necessary debate on the US behaviour.
Art as a Political Weapon at Climate Conferences
Contact
- Lasse Galschiøt, Co-artist and project manager
aidoh@aidoh.dk
Whatsapp +45 61703083
Links:
A short self-introduction by Jens Galschiøt
I am a Danish artist who has exhibited climate related art at climate conferences all over the world, including COP15, RIO+20, COP21, COP23 and COP29, often with support from the Danish government. In my experience, art can serve as a powerful complement to the many words exchanged at a climate summit. My sculptures are often used by the media as sort of mascots for the events. They are easy to understand visual expressions of the climate issue and what is at stake at the conferences.
COP30 - An Art Work Says More Than a 1,000 Words
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Survival of the Fattest / Double Standard
Take a Virtual Tour around Galschiøt's Gallery with Google Street View
It is now possible to walk directly into Gallery Galschiøt and look around. So now the whole world can come visit, without having to travel halfway around the world. Of course, we still hope that our many thousands of annual guests will stop by and look at art and drink coffee. Click here and take a virtual tour.
About Jens Galschiøt
Danish artist Jens Galschiøt has created many socio-critical sculptures and installations through the years. Most often they are placed in public spaces around the world – as needle-sticks and silent reminders of a world that, in his opinion, is out of balance, and where exploitation of the world’s resources, inequality and migration are a constant part of the picture.
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The Pillar of Shame in front of the Brazilian Parliament, year 2000
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