Melania Trump's Statue Mysteriously Disappears in Slovenia

Authorities in Slovenia are investigating the mysterious disappearance of a bronze statue representing Melania Trump, near her hometown of Sevnica. Reported stolen earlier this week, the statue has left locals speculating about the circumstances behind its disappearance. While some believe it was vandalism, others suspect it may have been melted down for cash. The statue, which was unveiled in 2019 and made a rough likeness of the former first lady, never resonated strongly with the community. With Melania's own absence from the town since 1985, residents reflect on the unusual connection between the sculpture and their lives.

The statue, which depicted Melania Trump and stood just 15 minutes outside Sevnica, was reported missing on Tuesday, leading to an ongoing inquiry by local police. While the exact time of the theft remains unclear, it has raised questions among the town's small population of about 5,000. Residents have voiced differing opinions on what may have happened to the statue. Some have speculated it may have been the result of vandalism, while others believe it’s possible that the statue was stolen to be melted down and sold for its material value.

Locals have had varying reactions to the statue, which features an expressionless figure with its arm raised in a tight wave. Igor Pavkovic, a lifelong resident, mentioned how he found the statue amusing at first but deemed it bizarre how infrequently Melania Trump has been seen. After moving away in 1985, Melania has never returned to offer her hometown any public presence, making the statue's connection to her legacy even more tenuous. Originally crafted from wood, the statue was fashioned from a linden tree by an artist in 2019, who utilized a chainsaw to create a rough representation of Trump's likeness.