A bronze statue of former U.S. First Lady Melania Trump has mysteriously disappeared from its location near the town of Sevnica, her birthplace. The artwork, created by American artist Brad Downey and unveiled in September 2020, was found missing, with only its feet and the two-meter-tall tree stump base remaining.
This incident marks the second time a statue of Melania Trump has been targeted in Sevnica. The original wooden sculpture, carved by local artisan Ales “Maxi” Zupevc and unveiled in July 2019, was set ablaze on U.S. Independence Day in 2020. Downey had commissioned the wooden piece and, anticipating potential vandalism, had created a cast of the statue. This led to the installation of the more durable bronze version at the same site.
At the time of the bronze statue’s unveiling, Downey emphasized its resilience, stating it was designed to be “as solid as possible, out of a durable material which cannot be wantonly destroyed.” However, the recent disappearance suggests otherwise, as the statue was evidently removed by being severed at the ankles.
Local authorities have classified the incident as theft and have initiated an investigation. The motive behind the statue’s removal remains unclear.
Downey has consistently described his work as political, highlighting parallels between Zupevc’s upbringing and that of Melania Trump. He has also pointed out that Melania benefited from a fast-tracked U.S. citizenship process.
The disappearance of the statue adds another chapter to the contentious history of public art installations dedicated to Melania Trump in her hometown.
Sevnica, a small Slovenian town nestled along the Sava River, has gained unexpected global attention in recent years as the birthplace of Melania Trump. Once best known for its castles and peaceful countryside, the town has seen a rise in tourism and commercial activity linked to Melania’s tenure as First Lady. Local shops began selling Melania-branded cakes, honey, and souvenirs, with the statues serving as focal points for curious visitors and media coverage alike.
The disappearance of the bronze statue has rekindled debate among locals about the appropriateness and public reception of these tributes. While some residents see the statues as a harmless way to capitalize on Sevnica’s connection to a global figure, others feel they draw unnecessary attention or political controversy. The original wooden statue, crudely carved with a chainsaw and painted in light blue to resemble Melania’s inauguration dress, was mocked internationally for its amateurish appearance. That piece was burned under suspicious circumstances in July 2020, prompting Downey to replace it with a bronze version, intended as a more permanent installation.
Downey, who is based in Berlin, had described his Melania statue project as an exploration of identity, politics, and national symbolism. Through the artwork, he aimed to provoke questions about belonging, migration, and the contrasting lives of people like Zupevc—who worked in construction and farming—and Melania, who rose from modest Slovenian roots to global celebrity status.
Police have yet to identify suspects or confirm how the statue was removed without being noticed. The area where the statue stood is not under constant surveillance, and no witnesses have come forward. Authorities have appealed to the public for information and are considering whether the removal may have been politically motivated or simply an act of vandalism or theft.
Whether or not the statue will be restored or replaced remains uncertain. Downey has not yet commented on the theft, but given the statue’s turbulent history, many in Sevnica are wondering whether the town’s chapter with Melania-themed monuments has come to a close.
