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‘Dictator Approved’ Sculpture Unveiled on National Mall and Backed as Free Speech by White House

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, JUN 17 – The 8-foot sculpture critiques Trump by featuring quotes from authoritarian leaders who have praised him, highlighting concerns about democratic erosion, officials said it will remain through June 22.

  • On Tuesday, the 'Dictator Approved' statue was installed along the National Mall in Washington, DC, featuring a gold thumb pressing down on the Statue of Liberty's crown.
  • The statue aimed to respond to a June 14 military parade featuring imagery likened to authoritarian regimes from North Korea, Russia, and China marching through DC.
  • The sculpture’s pedestal bears gold plaques quoting leaders like Putin, Orban, Kim Jong Un, and Bolsonaro, linking praise of authoritarian figures to President Trump.
  • Kevin Hong said his family has opposed communism in Korea, China, and Vietnam for 70 years, making the statue feel particularly personal to him.
  • The statue draws mixed reactions from passersby and highlights ongoing political tensions about freedom and authoritarianism in the United States.
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An eight-foot-high sculpture titled "Dictator Approved" appeared at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

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Latin Times broke the news in New York, United States on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
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