UK Greets Trump With Giant Epstein Photo: Protest!
Part of Windsor Castle as seen in July 2011. Photo by Perituss under CC0 1.0.
A colossal image of President Donald Trump alongside convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has reportedly appeared on the manicured lawns of Windsor Castle, setting the stage for a protest spectacle as Trump prepares for a highly ceremonial state visit to the United Kingdom. The 4,300 square-foot photograph, crowdfunded by nearly 1,800 donors who contributed roughly $40,000, is more than just a provocative piece of protest art. It is a calculated move by the activist group "Everyone Hates Elon" to spotlight the controversial ties between Trump and Epstein at a moment when the UK establishment is bracing for a diplomatic event steeped in symbolism and scrutiny.
A Giant Image With a Message
The image, taken in 1997 at Mar-a-Lago, shows Trump and Epstein together. The group behind the campaign insists this association should not be forgotten. Positioned conspicuously on the grounds of Windsor Castle, where Trump is scheduled to meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the display is designed to confront the pomp of state diplomacy with a stark reminder of Epstein's dark legacy and its alleged connections to the former president.
A spokesperson for "Everyone Hates Elon" said the campaign refuses to allow Trump to "use our country to polish his image," as reported by The Daily Beast. The spokesperson emphasized that the British public largely opposes what Trump represents. The group's efforts extend beyond the Windsor display. They include "Never Forget" mugs placed in the castle's souvenir shop and mock Epstein memorial benches installed at Trump's golf courses in Scotland. The campaign also features provocative signage near the U.S. embassy in London, amplifying the message across multiple high-profile locations.
Crowdfunding and Public Engagement
The campaign's crowdfunding success reflects a significant level of public engagement. Nearly 1,800 people donated to the cause, raising about $40,000 according to The Daily Beast. The Instagram account behind the campaign, "Everyone Hates Elon," boasts over 80,000 followers and has been actively promoting the effort, as reported by Newsweek. This includes a video showing the installation of a similar image near the Nine Elms London Underground station, just a short walk from the U.S. embassy.
The group's fundraising page reportedly highlights plans to expand the campaign with billboards, mobile ad vans, and additional signage, depending on how much money is raised. The organizers have made it clear that all funds collected will be retained by the group to continue their activism during Trump's visit.
The Timing and Political Context
The timing of the campaign is no accident. Trump's state visit, scheduled for mid-September 2025, marks his second official trip to the UK as president, a rare diplomatic honor. Yet, it arrives amid renewed public and political scrutiny over Epstein's death and the extent of his connections to powerful figures, including Trump. The U.S. Department of Justice recently confirmed that Epstein was not murdered and died by suicide in 2019, and that no "client list" was found, as reported by Newsweek. This statement has inflamed conspiracy theories and political tensions, particularly among Trump's base.
Trump himself has expressed frustration with his supporters over the Epstein controversy, calling them "weaklings" who were "duped" by what he described as an Epstein "hoax," according to Newsweek. He later softened his tone, suggesting he would support the release of "credible" evidence related to Epstein but urged his followers to move on. Meanwhile, White House officials have been inconsistent in their messaging. Attorney General Pam Bondi at one point claimed the FBI possessed "thousands" of hours of incriminating footage, only to later say the DOJ had no further comment.
UK Establishment's Response
The UK establishment is navigating a delicate balance between hosting a state visit and managing the political fallout from the Epstein-Trump association. Security measures around Windsor Castle and other venues are reportedly heightened, anticipating both the diplomatic demands and the potential for protest activity. The presence of the giant image on the castle grounds is a visible sign of the tensions simmering beneath the surface of the formal visit.
Adding to the complexity is the recent controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson, the UK's ambassador to Washington, who is under scrutiny for his own connections to Epstein. Newly released files include affectionate messages Mandelson sent to Epstein, including a birthday greeting referring to Epstein as a "best pal," as reported by Sky News. Mandelson has expressed "deep regret" over knowing Epstein but dismissed the issue as a media "obsession."
What Lies Ahead
The UK will likely see a mix of official pomp and grassroots dissent as President Trump visits. The massive Epstein-Trump image is just one element in a wider campaign to keep Epstein's legacy in the public eye and to question the narratives surrounding Trump's relationship with the disgraced financier. Whether this protest art will influence the tone of the visit or the conversations that follow remains to be seen.
For now, the image looms large — both literally and figuratively — on the grounds of Windsor Castle, a reminder that in the world of state diplomacy, public memory and political symbolism are never far behind.
References: Trump Trolled With Colossal Epstein Picture Ahead of U.K. Visit | Trump Photo With Epstein Appears Near US Embassy Ahead of... | With UK state visit looming, Epstein questions come at worst moment for Lord Mandelson
