The Foot Soldier: Trump Mocked Over Vietnam War Draft Exemption In New Statue

A giant golden statue of US President Donald Trump rubbing his bare foot has appeared on Washington's National Mall, days before Veterans Day, November 11. Titled 'The Foot Soldier', the satirical sculpture mocks Trump's controversial 1968 bone spurs diagnosis, which helped him secure a medical exemption from military service during the Vietnam War.

Created by the anonymous art collective Secret Handshake, the installation appeared on November 9 on Madison Drive NW, opposite the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Trump is depicted sitting on a granite pedestal with one shoe removed, examining his right foot.

A plaque beneath the sculpture sarcastically praises the president's military record, describing him as a soldier who reached the front lines of avoiding the draft. It also includes a reference to Trump's remark, "I can be very military."

The artwork revisits Trump's five Vietnam-era draft deferments. He received four educational deferments while attending Fordham University and the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a medical exemption in 1968 after being diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels. The diagnosis was reportedly made by Queens podiatrist Dr Larry Braunstein, who was also a tenant of the Trump family.

The installation also features Toey, a six-foot mascot dressed as a giant toe, complete with black toe hair and a red welt. The character interacts with visitors and makes jokes about Trump's military record.

Secret Handshake said the artwork highlights the contrast between Trump's past efforts to avoid military service and his current position as commander-in-chief, particularly amid the US administration's military campaign against Iran and threats of further military action.

The collective has previously installed several provocative artworks targeting Trump, including a golden statue depicting him holding hands with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a golden toilet mocking White House renovations and an Iran War participation trophy.

The White House criticised the latest installation. Spokesperson Davis Ingle described its creators as "Democrat activists" affected by "Trump Derangement Syndrome", adding that Trump would continue fighting for and protecting Americans.

The artists obtained permission for the installation through an intermediary and said 'The Foot Soldier' and Toey would remain on display through Veterans Day.