Trump demands Smithsonian replace strange modernist sculpture that inspires no one with 30-foot-tall Washington Colossus
President Trump called on the Smithsonian Friday to erect a 30-foot-tall George Washington statue outside the National Museum of American History in Washington, DC, in place of the “strange modernist” sculpture that currently welcomes visitors.The sculpture switch is one of several moves Trump proposed as part of an effort to better honor the nation’s first president ahead of his 300th birthday.“I’m asking for the Smithsonian to install the 11-foot Washington statue that was featured at the recent Freedom 250 Grand Prix Race in the Museum’s Flag Hall, and dedicate it this Constitution Day, September 17, 2026.
Immediately design and display a five-year exhibition worthy of the Life, Sacrifice, and Contributions of George Washington.Then, as soon as it is ready, install a 30-foot Washington Colossus where ‘Infinity’ stands today,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Replace a sculpture that says nothing about America with the man who, more than anyone else, says everything about America,” the president added.“This is how we should begin to honor George Washington in the lead-up to his 300th birthday in 2032.”The “Infinity,” a rotating sculpture designed by abstract artist Jose de Rivera, was dedicated in 1967.
It is the first work of modern art commissioned by the US government for the National Mall under the Art and Architecture Program, according to the museum.In a separate post, Trump argued the “Infinity” isn’t as inspiring as a massive statue of the “Father of Our Country” would be.“That strange modernist sculpture tells visitors nothing about America, inspires no one, and honors none of our Great American Heroes,” the president said.
“George Washington does.He is easily America’s Greatest Hero.
Without him, our Country and our Freedoms wouldn’t exist.” Trump fumed that the museum “failed to give George Washington and our other Founding Fathers the celebration they deserve” on the 250th anniversary year of t...