Trump's 'Iran War Trophy' Artwork Sparks Controversy in DC

WHO:

Fast Company - The protest art group The Secret Handshake created the artwork.

Newsweek - The artwork draws attention from passersby in Washington, D.C.

WHAT:

Fast Company - The artwork is a 10-foot-tall trophy made of wood, foam, and plaster, awarded to Trump for his involvement in the Iran war.

Fast Company - The trophy features the words “#1” on the front and “Participant” on the base.

Fast Company - A plaque on the trophy states it is awarded to Trump “for his enthusiastic involvement in the Iran war.”

Newsweek - The trophy is described as mocking Trump’s record regarding the Iran war amid renewed U.S.-Iran strikes.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The trophy is located near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.

WHY:

Fast Company - The purpose of the artwork is to visualize the perceived absurdity of the war's justification and to parody Trump’s style and affinity for recognition.

HOW:

Fast Company - The Secret Handshake invites visitors to bring their own trophies to the display, with plastic trophies already placed at its base.

(UPDATED July 15, 2026 11:24 UTC)

A new artwork created by the protest art group The Secret Handshake has been drawing attention from passersby near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. This 10-foot-tall trophy, made of wood, foam, and plaster, is awarded to Trump for his enthusiastic involvement in the Iran war and features the words “#1” on the front and “Participant” on the base, along with a plaque that mocks his record amid renewed U.S.-Iran strikes. Visitors are invited to bring their own trophies to the display, which already includes several plastic trophies placed at its base.