Kathrine Frich
An investigation has been launched, but no suspects have been identified yet.
An investigation has been launched, but no suspects have been identified yet.
Statue of Melania Trump Stolen From Slovenian Field
A life-sized bronze statue of Melania Trump has mysteriously disappeared from her hometown of Sevnica, Slovenia, the latest incident in what locals now call a “curse.”
The sculpture, which depicted the former First Lady waving from a tree trunk pedestal, was reported stolen this week, according to Slovenian police.
Cut Off at the Ankles
The statue wasn’t simply taken, it was sawed off above the ankles, despite being anchored with concrete and iron rods.
According to Digi24 the theft took place in a private field near Sevnica, the town where Melania spent her early years before leaving for the U.S.
Police say an investigation has been launched, but no suspects have been identified yet.
Artist Suspects Link to Trump’s Return to Power
American artist Brad Downey, who created the statue in 2020, expressed disappointment at the theft and hinted at possible political motives.
“I have a feeling it has something to do with the billionaire’s return to power, but who knows,” he told AFP.
Downey intended the work as a “non-monument” and “counter-propaganda”, a subtle critique of Trump’s immigration policies, juxtaposed with his wife’s status as a Slovenian-born immigrant.
Earlier Statue Was Set on Fire
The stolen piece replaces an earlier wooden statue erected in 2019, which was burned to the ground by vandals in July 2020.
That sculpture, rough-hewn with a chainsaw, depicted Melania in her iconic sky-blue dress from Trump’s 2017 inauguration.
Often compared to a scarecrow, the figure became an internet curiosity and media talking point.
Shrugs at Trump’s Second Term
While Sevnica once embraced its native daughter with enthusiasm, launching “Melania” branded cakes, honey, and even slippers, sentiment has cooled.
Trump’s second term has sparked indifference and irritation, particularly in light of his renewed trade war with the EU.
No “Trump bump” this time around, locals say.
Melania Has Never Returned to Sevnica
Despite her fame, Melania Trump has never visited her hometown publicly as First Lady. Born Melanija Knavs in the former Yugoslavia, she left Slovenia before the fall of communism and built her modelling career in 1990s New York.
She became a U.S. citizen in 2016. Her son Barron, however, is known to speak Slovenian.